Where should maternity patients who meet trauma criteria be transported if within 45 minutes?

Maternity patients who meet trauma criteria should be transported to a facility that specializes in both trauma care and obstetrics. The Royal Melbourne Hospital is recognized for its comprehensive trauma services and has a dedicated maternity unit equipped to handle complex cases involving trauma in pregnant patients. This ensures that the patient receives the best possible care, addressing both the trauma and the needs of the mother and fetus.

While the Alfred Hospital is also a major trauma center, the specific protocols in place may direct that maternity patients go to the Royal Melbourne Hospital when it is within a given timeframe, signifying an established relationship between these institutions regarding the management of obstetric trauma cases.

Transporting to the nearest emergency room may not provide the necessary specialized care for trauma patients who are pregnant, as these facilities may not have the capabilities for both high-level trauma care and obstetric services. Likewise, while a nearby alternative high-level trauma service could be considered, the preference for destination will typically lean towards hospitals like the Royal Melbourne that are specifically designated for such cases when within an appropriate transport time frame.