Doesn't seem this q posted. if someone has signs of meningitis how to decide whether to go to closest er vs drive to much better one 30 minutes away.?

You choose.: The issue is that the earlier the better to treat for real meningitis. If you don't trust the closest hospital then go to the other. Ask your primary doctor or whoever suggested the possibility of meningitis where they feel is better. Most hospitals -if not all- do lumbar punctures and have intravenous antibiotics and they can call infectious disease or neurologists.

Meningitis - serious: Fever (especially over about 102), with a headache and a stiff neck -> go directly to the er. The closest er should be able to handle meningitis. If they can't, they have no business being open.