Trauma survivors and their families at RBWH and STARS have expressed a strong desire for greater follow-up, structured peer support and opportunities to connect with others who share lived experience. 

This project will develop a Trauma Survivors Network, embedding it into routine trauma service care to meet the needs of patients and families across the diverse and vast geography of Queensland. 

In 2024, the RBWH Trauma Service managed 2,583 major trauma patients, with more than 1,600 requiring in-patient care. 

While acute services focus on stabilising physical injuries, many major trauma patients and their families face significant long-term challenges, including chronic pain, psychological distress, financial strain and social isolation.

Around half of major trauma patients require ongoing follow-up care, and nearly one in four experience significant long-term health issues. Psychosocial and family support is often fragmented or absent, creating a major gap in care. 

The goal of the Trauma Survivors Network is to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of survivors and families, reduce isolation and ensure greater engagement in recovery. 

Evaluation incorporating both survivor feedback and quantitative measures will ensure relevance, effectiveness and provide information for scalability. 

The hope is the Network will transition to a sustainable consumer-led model, embedded into routine Trauma Service activity.