Firm launches new major trauma service aimed at the NHS
Moore Blatch solicitors has launched a new major trauma service designed specifically to work with NHS trauma centres across the UK.
The new service will identify the needs of a patient at the outset and ensure that, as well as any legal compensation claim, clients receive the additional advice that their circumstances require. The legal service will mirror the multi-disciplinary approach taken by many NHS organisations and will ensure that any legal assistance serves to consider the whole of the client’s requirements as they progress along the pathway.
Moore Blatch partner, Trevor Sterling, who will head up the new service comments: “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 all legal service needs and will place emphasis on the Rehabilitation Code 2015, with a focus on both treatment and vocational rehabilitation enabling patients to return to work. The Rehabilitation Code, which has recently been updated and is to be relaunched in December 2015, encourages greater collaboration between claimant lawyers and insurers to address the injured person’s needs and provide them with the right treatment as quickly as possible.
The service will also be under-pinned by an independent rehabilitation support group comprising leading rehabilitation service providers, in order to maintain a “patient centred” focus.
Moore Blatch solicitors is currently campaigning for outdated cost recovery legislation to be reviewed by the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, as the firm believes this is preventing many trusts from receiving the true cost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. It is hoped the service will demonstrate the need for current legislation to be urgently reviewed.
Trevor adds: “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. 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.
“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.”
