The emergency response service ScotSTAR, run by the Scottish Ambulance Service, has opened its new North base in Aberdeen. This adds to the existing service provided by the base in Glasgow.

The £1.1million Aberdeen base provides  major incident pre-hospital medical response.

Opening the new centre Jeane Freeman,  Health Secretary  in the Scottish Government said:

“ScotSTAR North builds on the work being undertaken by our newly opened Major Trauma Centres in Aberdeen and Dundee linking up the resources, expertise and infrastructure of NHS Boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service. The new centre ensures that critical care across Scotland of the highest standard.”

The Scottish Trauma Network involves hospitals across Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service. In addition to this there are 4 major trauma centres: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Trauma remains the fourth leading cause of death in western countries and the leading cause of death for people under 40. Each year in Scotland, around 4,000 people are seriously injured, with around 800-1,000 cases being defined as ‘major trauma’. It is estimated that each year, there are also 100 cases of major trauma in children under 16. Scottish Trauma Network

ScotSTAR North Clinical Lead for the Adult team Dr Alastair Ross said:

“We are delighted to deliver this service from the ScotSTAR North base in Aberdeen as part of our ongoing commitment to improved patient care across Scotland. Working closely together, the teams bring high-quality specialist care to patients by road and air, that best meet patient needs.

“The team is available 24/7 providing consultant-delivered critical care and safe transfer to definitive care for patients in remote healthcare locations and at accident scenes. Adult North is a key component of the Scottish Trauma Network and will improve the care of seriously ill and injured patients across Scotland.”