Moore Blatch launches 'major trauma service' aimed at the NHS

Personal injury firm Moore Blatch has launched a 'major trauma service' to work with NHS Trauma Centres across the UK.

The new service aims to identify the needs of patients at the outset of an injury and ensure that, as well as any legal compensation claim, clients receive the additional legal advice required by their individual circumstances.

Moore Blatch said that collaboration with the NHS would facilitate additional patient treatment otherwise unavailable on the health service; provide a focus on rehabilitation; reduce the impact on social care; and potentially increase the recovery of NHS injury costs.

Trevor Sterling, a partner at the firm, explained: 'This service will be tailored to respond to patients following treatment at Major Trauma Centres and will be the first of its kind.

'It will collaborate very closely with the NHS in order to provide a more seamless transition along the treatment pathway and improve outcomes.'

The service incorporates an initial 'law trauma assessment' to understand the legal service needed, while placing an emphasis on the Rehabilitation Code 2015

The code, which was recently updated, encourages greater collaboration between claimant lawyers and insurers to address the injured person's needs and provide them with the right treatment.

'Insurers, claimant lawyers, and rehabilitation providers have worked closely together during the update of the code to ensure it remains as relevant and effective as possible,' said Sterling.

'It is important, however, that costs recovery in relation to NHS trusts also receives the same update to ensure that the costs being returned reflect today's practice and financial realities.'

Moore Blatch is also campaigning for outdated cost recovery legislation to be reviewed by the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, as the firm believes this is preventing many trusts from receiving the true cost of the service they provide.

The firm said it hoped the new service will demonstrate the need for current legislation to be urgently reviewed by the government.

'No one can disagree that these are challenging times for the health service - any reform that can bring about additional financial resources to the NHS must be considered seriously and urgently,' added Sterling.

John van der Luit-Drummond is deputy editor for Solicitors Journal
john.vanderluit@solicitorsjournal.co.uk | @JvdLD