Trauma Cards

Trauma cards are increasingly being used as a means for patients to let health professionals know that they find it difficult to attend for health screenings or appointments because of traumatic experiences they have had in the past or are still having. These experiences may be linked to sexual trauma, and/or to other forms of abuse, violence, war, conflict, natural disasters or grief. This is not an exhaustive list.

The cards can be shown discreetly to staff who should respond appropriately, provide reassurance and offer a range of adjustments to help the patient have a more supported experience. 

Trauma cards are currently available from organisations including the Survivor’s Trust and Healthwatch Essex and are likely to be introduced more widely across the country over time.

Healthwatch Liverpool has worked closely with Liverpool Women’s Hospital and the Survivor’s Trust to develop a local card to be used initially at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, with the hope that following an initial pilot scheme and evaluation, it can be used more widely across local health care providers.

Cards will only be introduced at each service provider alongside training and awareness-raising for staff (clinical and non-clinical) who come into contact with patients.