What should be done for stable patients over 20 weeks pregnant who wish to go to an OB hospital of their choice?

For stable patients over 20 weeks pregnant who wish to go to an OB hospital of their choice, it is appropriate to allow them to proceed with their preferred choice, provided there is approval from the Battalion Chief. This approach recognizes the autonomy of the patient in making healthcare decisions, while ensuring that necessary protocols and oversight are maintained within the emergency services system.

Such approval from the Battalion Chief demonstrates a balance between patient choice and operational protocols, allowing for informed decisions that take into account safety, resource allocation, and potential logistical challenges.

The choice of allowing patients to go to their preferred hospital can also enhance patient satisfaction and comfort, which are crucial during the pregnancy and labor process. It respects the patient's right to seek care in a facility they trust and feel is best for their situation, while ensuring that there is a structure in place to govern these decisions for safety reasons. Other options, such as requiring physician approval or insisting on transport to the nearest facility, would undermine patient autonomy and could lead to increased distress during a crucial time.