Richmond law firm Moore Barlow is proud to announce the launch of a new national service to assist people affected by major trauma.

Moore Barlow is a founding member of the Major Trauma Group, which has been set up by four of the UK's leading law firms and the Brain Injury Group in collaboration with medical clinicians.

The group will help people affected by major trauma across the country, and ensure they are fully supported in their rehabilitation journey through integrated legal, health and social care pathways to recovery.

Members will also raise awareness of and provide solutions to important issues facing major trauma centres and their patients, working in collaboration with NHS stakeholders and academics. This service will be vital in the wake of Covid-19 which has seen major trauma patients face delays in care and treatment in hospital and had essential access to rehabilitation services denied.

Whether from a car accident, fall or violence, major trauma injuries remain the main cause of death for people under 45 in the UK. More than 10,000 people die following a major trauma injury every year in England and Wales.

Major trauma patients who survive often have an ongoing need for specialist rehabilitations services post-discharge, but limited knowledge of how to access the support. The group will be a source of information for these individuals, as well as directing them to appropriate legal services.

Trevor Sterling is chair of the Major Trauma Group and head of major trauma service at Moore Barlow.

He said: "Covid-19 has introduced unwelcome issues for people affected by major trauma and their families. From the closure of rehabilitation services to the upset of not being able to see family whilst in hospital, the care and rehabilitation for these individuals with serious, long-term conditions has been impacted.

"Pre-covid patients also experienced challenges. The Government's Injury Cost Recovery Scheme, the means by which NHS hospitals claim funding from insurance companies, has not kept up with the expensive cost of recovery. This means that it is common practice that the NHS has to cover this shortfall in funding.

"We are proud to be launching The Major Trauma Group today; the first venture of its kind where lawyers and medical professionals will work together for people affected by major trauma.

"The Major Trauma Group will ensure that no accident victim, particularly in the community, goes without the legal and rehabilitation support they require and that trauma victims' opinions on issues that affect their care and rehabilitation are heard by decision-makers."