Plans to establish a major trauma centre in Norfolk's biggest hospital have been given resounding public backing.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital hopes to upgrade its facilities to allow it to provide emergency care for the most serious traumatic injuries.

The move is geared at preventing so many patients from having to be transferred to Cambridge - with the nearest specialist unit of this kind located in Addenbrooke's Hospital.

Currently, one in 20 trauma patients from the N&N are transferred to Addenbrookes - while this figure is one in 10 at the James Paget and Queen Elizabeth hospitals.

The proposals have been met with a widely positive response from members of the public, following a survey conducted by Healthwatch Norfolk.

The organisation was commissioned by NHS England to gather views on the plan, which would see the hospital's existing trauma centre upgraded.

And survey participants were overwhelmingly in favour of the vision - provided it is adequately funded and supported.

 Of more than 1,300 people surveyed, 82pc said they would be in favour of the scheme.

A focus group of hospital volunteers was also widely in favour of the scheme - with one member calling it "an absolutely brilliant notion".

Eastern Daily Press: Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk

Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: "Having enhanced trauma care and facilities on our doorstep is something people welcome as long as it does not impact current services.

"As with so many things, communication is key, and people also want to be kept informed of the process and make sure their views are woven into the proposals."

Jessamy Kinghorn, head of engagement for the NHS in the region, said the Healthwatch report had given a "clear steer on the view of local people on the way forward".

She said: "We will take on board the findings and recommendations of the report in seeking to improve access to major trauma expertise - not only in Norfolk but in the wider East of England region."