Department of Health

Specialty: Obstetrics
Age group: All

Criteria for referral to level 6 public hospital maternity service

• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 60 on booking
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 on booking where a team review (including anaesthetics) assesses that local or regional capability is not sufficient to provide the required level of care.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

  • Body mass index (BMI) at booking
  • Multidisciplinary assessment report
  • Gestational age.

Provide if available

Not applicable.

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Referral to a level 6 maternity service should be considered in the context of the local maternity service system. Referring clinicians should contact the closest level 5 maternity service to discuss options.

Anaesthetic consultations are recommended in all pregnancies with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, refer to Safer Care VictoriaExternal Link .

Referral to a level 6 public hospital maternity service is not appropriate for

Not applicable.

Reviewed 30 May 2025

Statewide Referral Criteria

Contact us

Address
50 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000

Phone
1300 650 172
National Relay Service

Email
plannedcare@health.vic.gov.au