Trauma nursing development in England: insight from South Africa

National data found that patients with major trauma receive inadequate care. The effectiveness of regional trauma networks in improving mortality and outcomes for patients presenting with major trauma has been recognised and being established. In parallel, it is recognised that trauma training for nurses must be further developed. An observational study tour to South Africa trauma units, to document trauma practice was sponsored by the Florence Nightingale Foundation and General Nursing Council (GNC). Despite significant cultural and contextual differences, South Africa's trauma centres have a worldwide reputation in managing trauma and can offer valuable insights and experience. Recommendations are made which acknowledge the role of regional trauma networks, improved accessibility to formal trauma training and the use of local professional development resources in improving the content of and access to trauma education for nurses. A development programme for trauma nurses is suggested. The benefits of international learning are detailed and a transferable local training package for trauma training for nurses is explained.