NSW trauma system 

The NSW trauma system provides a coordinated and systematic means of identifying and managing patients who have, or potentially have, suffered serious injury. The NSW trauma system is an important component of the spectrum of acute and critical care services in NSW.¹

The NSW trauma system is comprised of both clinical and social components.

Clinical components 

The 3 clinical components, reflecting the continuum of care, are the core components of the trauma system. They include:

1. Pre-hospital and retrieval services
2. Acute care services including:
   • Designated trauma services
   • NSW trauma networks
   • Statewide specialist services
3. Rehabilitation
   

Social components 

The social components include:

• Injury prevention programs
• Research
• Education
• Planning
• Legislation
• Funding

Main article: Monitoring of the NSW trauma system

The NSW ITIM, in partnership with the NSW Ministry of Health, coordinates the monitoring of the NSW trauma system. This is a core role of NSW ITIM, ensuring the components of the trauma system are operating in an organised and coordinated manner with the aim of improving trauma patient outcomes in NSW.

Main article: History of the NSW trauma system

The NSW trauma system was first established in 1991. A comprehensive review of all aspects of the NSW trauma system was undertaken during the mid 2000's, resulting in the release of the NSW Trauma Services Plan by NSW Health in 2009.

1. NSW Department of Health (2009). Selected Specialty and Statewide Service Plans: NSW Trauma Services. Sydney: NSW Department of Health. pp. 6.