FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Neonatal Transfer Service:-

What does the Neonatal Transfer Team do?

The dedicated transport team transports babies from one neonatal unit to another when it is necessary. The team all have an interest in transportation and have received special training in the use of the transport equipment. They care for the baby throughout the journey and ensure the smooth running of the transport.

What is an 'emergency retrieval'?

An emergency retrieval is when an unwell baby needs to be transferred from one hospital to another requiring specialist care. The transport team travel in their designated ambulance to 'retrieve' the baby. The aim of the team is to get to the referring hospital as soon as possible and then stabilise the baby ready for transfer to specialised facilities.

Will my baby be safe during the transfer?

The transport team will only move the baby from the referring hospital when they are satisfied that the baby is stable enough for the journey. The journey is usually rapid and safe. The team, on arrival, formally hand over the care of the baby to the receiving hospital.

Will I be transferred too, to be with my baby?

We always aim that the mother and baby are cared for in the same hospital. Mothers who are still inpatients at the hospital where they delivered will be transferred to the hospital as soon as they are well enough and an appropriate bed is available. Your transfer will be arranged separately to your babies.

Can I travel with my baby in the ambulance?

For reasons of safety, parents are not allowed to travel in the back of the transport ambulance. At the time of the transport, the team will give parents detailed directions to the unit as well as general information about the unit. Please do not follow the ambulance as we are often travelling at speed.

What are 'emergency referrals'?

Occasionally, because of a baby's condition, it can be necessary to refer the baby from a NICU to another hospital (such as Great Ormond Street, London). These referrals are made because some specialist care and therapies are only available at other centres.

What are 'back transfers'?

For practical reasons (visiting etc), it is usually best if babies are cared for close to their parent's home where possible. If a baby has transferred from another hospital, then every effort will be made to get the baby back to that hospital as soon as he / she is stable enough for transfer. Sometimes, this can mean waiting for a cot space to become clear at your nearest hospital. Once your baby is transferred back, this unit will then provide the services to enable your baby to get ready for home when the time is right.

I booked to have my obstetric care at my local hospital but my baby is being transferred elsewhere - why is this?

If you have booked to have your obstetric care in your local hospital, and should your baby need care in the NICU of that hospital, this care will automatically be given there in the initial period - and hopefully for the length of the baby's stay. However, it might be necessary to transfer your baby to another hospital for the following reasons: (a) because he / she is sick and needs more help; (b) because your baby is now improved and stable enough to transfer to another level of care, which enables your NICU to accept other very sick babies who need their help. You can feel confident that whichever unit cares for your baby, they will provide excellent care.

Who will accompany my baby when he / she is taken back to my local hospital?

At the time of transfer to your local hospital, a doctor and nurse will accompany your baby in the ambulance if ventilation support is required. If your baby is stable but does not require ventilation support, your baby will be accompanied by the transport nurse alone. Even though your baby is now stable, we are unable to transfer parents in the same ambulance for safety reasons. Therefore, if you are still a patient, your transfer will need to be arranged separately.

How do I suggest a new question?
Contact the Manager of the Transfer Service (see the Contact Us page)