About the VSTS

The Victorian State Trauma System (VSTS) was established in 2000 in response to the Review of trauma and emergency services 1999 (RoTES) report which found improvements to reduce trauma morbidity and mortality could be achieved by enhancing trauma patient management at all stages. The RoTES report made more than 100 recommendations that provided a framework for an integrated system of care for patients that sustain significant injury. Key features of the system are:

• designation of two adult and one paediatric hospital as major trauma services (MTS) operating as the hub of an integrated system
• statewide system organisation and management of trauma response
• triage and transfer protocols
• communication protocols and utilisation of technology
• enhanced retrieval and transfer services
• education and training
• research, service and technology developments
• quality management.

The VSTS has overseen significant improvements in major trauma patient care. This includes 80 per cent of all major trauma patients being treated at a major trauma service; a reduction in mortality rates with fewer than expected deaths according to international benchmarks; positive trends in preventable deaths; and reduced length of stay in hospitals.

The establishment and coordination of the VSTS and the Victorian State Trauma Registry, which collects data and monitors the effectiveness of the system, was co-funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and the Department of Human Services. The department and the TAC work collaboratively to ensure an efficient and effective trauma system and a smooth systemic and clinical pathway for the appropriate management of major trauma patients.

• VSTS governance
• Trauma services in Victoria
• Definition of major trauma
• Trauma appropriateness payments