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Victorian State Trauma System
The Victorian State Trauma System (VSTS) facilitates the management and treatment of major trauma patients in Victoria. The VSTS aims to:
- reduce preventable death and permanent disability
- improve patient outcomes by matching the needs of the injured patient to an appropriate level of treatment in a safe and timely manner.
The system works to have ‘the right patient delivered to the right hospital in the shortest time’.
The Victorian State Trauma System is one of the highest regarded in the world, with world leading facilities and clinicians who provide the VSTS with excellence in care and research.
History of Victorian State Trauma System
The VSTS was established in 2000 in response to the Review of trauma and emergency services 1999 (RoTES) report, which made more than 100 recommendations to reduce trauma morbidity and mortality by enhancing trauma patient management. Key features of the VSTS are:
- designation of two adult hospitals 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
- trauma triage and transfer protocols
- enhanced retrieval and transfer services
- education and training
- research, service and technology developments
- quality management.
Since 2000, this framework has overseen significant improvements in major trauma patient care, resulting in 84.3% of all major trauma patients being treated at an appropriate major trauma service in 2011/12. Other achievements of the VSTS are a reduction in mortality rates with fewer than expected deaths according to international benchmarks, and reduced length of stay in hospitals for major trauma patients.
Review of Trauma and Emergency Services – Victoria 1999 report (RoTES review)
Trauma towards 2014 – Review and future directions of the Victorian State Trauma System
Victorian State Trauma Registry Summary Report – 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012
State Trauma Committee
The Department of Health and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) work collaboratively, under the guidance of the State Trauma Committee, to ensure an efficient and effective trauma system and a smooth and systematic clinical pathway for the appropriate management of major trauma patients.
State Trauma Committee – Terms of Reference
Emergency care in Victoria
Timely and appropriate emergency department (ED) treatment is an important government service provided for all Victorians. A range of general and hospital-specific initiatives designed to improve and extend emergency access are being implemented across Victoria.
For further information see Emergency Care in Victoria.
