Trauma Inter-Hospital Referral (1800-TRAUMA) Process

The Trauma Inter-hospital Referral Process (1800-TRAUMA / 1800-872-862) is a centralised referral system for inter-hospital major trauma referrals operated through the National Trauma Desk of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Ambulance Service. 

Background

The service was launched in July 2023 to coincide with the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH) commencing the acceptance of major trauma referrals from trauma-receiving hospitals in the Central Trauma Network. Initially, the MMUH are accepting patients with complex limb injuries, pelvic and spinal trauma, where these are the dominant injury requiring specialist care.

1800-Trauma referrals for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to Beaumont Hospital commenced on 7 March 2024. This will be followed by the expansion of the 1800-Trauma Service for major trauma referrals to Cork University Hospital (CUH) from hospitals in the South Trauma Network.

As capacity and major trauma services continue to develop at the MMUH, and CUH, the number and type of major trauma patients that can be referred through 1800-Trauma will gradually increase in both Trauma Networks.

1800-TRAUMA Process

To streamline the referral of major trauma patients and to coordinate transport, the Trauma Desk at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) will provide a centralised referral system for inter-hospital major trauma referrals facilitating communication between referring and receiving hospitals. It will provide recorded and written details of referrals for adult inter-hospital major trauma transfers, and allows for governance and oversight of the entire process from a national perspective.

Step-by-step guide to the 1800-Trauma process (PDF, size 878.8 KB, 1 page)

Transfer of Care and Egress of Trauma Patients from Acute Hospitals

When appropriate and when patients complete their acute care in the Major Trauma Centre they will be transferred to a hospital closer to their home if ongoing care is needed. The HSE Transfer of Care and Egress of Trauma Patients sets out guidance on the transfer of care and egress of trauma patients. To access the policy document, please click here (PDF, size 445 KB, 19 pages).