Elective transfers are an integral function of neonatal networks. They facilitate appropriate use of resources within units and most importantly they ensure delivery of family centered care. By using the following guidance for elective referrals we can maximise the use of transport resources and ensure prompt and timely transfer, including the following:
Repatriation to base hospital, Transfer for appointments out with base hospital (e.g. imaging) Transfer for admission and elective investigations, Transfer for elective surgery
ROUTINE ELECTIVE REFERRAL PROCESS
All referrals for Elective transfer must reach the ScotSTAR Team as soon as possible and before 0600 on the morning of the transfer date, to allow coordination of the national transport workload.
- Referrals should be made using this form: ScotSTAR Neonatal Elective Referral Form
- A pre-transfer checklist is also available to ensure that all is in place prior to the transfer taking place, avoiding last minute delays.
All referrals will be reviewed at 8am by the incoming day team, who will distribute the transfers amongst the teams on duty. Those teams will make contact with the referring and receiving units to confirm that the transfer is still to take place, then undertake the transfer as they are able.
Please note, while every effort will be made to undertake elective referrals as requested, the ability of the service to manage all referrals will be dependent on various factors, including: journey times, the number of referrals received, weather conditions, simultaneous emergencies etc. The teams will endeavour to keep referring units up to date with progress and estimated timescales for transfers; however this is often a dynamic situation that is subject to change at short notice. Journey times for units are listed at the bottom of this page
REFERRALS FOR ELECTIVE TRANSFER RECEIVED THE SAME DAY OR OUT OF HOURS
Referrals for elective transfer received the same day have a significant impact on both emergency and elective workload. We will consider these requests on a case by case basis. Please make every effort to refer in advance as described above.
PLEASE CONTACT THE LOCAL TEAM BY PHONE FOR ADVICE RATHER THAN EMAILING. IF THE TEAM ARE UNAVAILABLE PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND THE REFERRAL WILL BE DEALT WITH ON THEIR RETURN TO BASE. Contact details for the teams are available here: Contact details
ELECTIVE REFERRALS MADE AFTER 0800 WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR THE NEXT DAY UNLESS CAPACITY EXISTS ON THE SAME DAY.
OUT OF HOURS REFERRALS FOR AN ELECTIVE TRANSFER DEMAND USE OF EMERGENCY RESOURCES AND ARE AT HIGHEST RISK OF BEING DEFERRED TO THE NEXT WORKING DAY.
EMERGENCY REFERRALS – NON CLINICAL
If an infant requires transfer out of hours because of unit capacity issues and the transfer cannot be deferred to the next working day it will be treated as an emergency transfer for cot capacity.
EMERGENCY REFERRALS FOR NON CLINICAL REASONS SHOULD BE PHONED VIA THE SCOTSTAR EMERGENCY NUMBER 03333 990 222
THE CALL SHOULD BE MADE BY THE CONSULTANT IN THE REFERRING UNIT
SUCH REFERRALS DEMAND USE OF EMERGENCY RESOURCES AND MAY IMPACT ON EMERGENCY TRANSFERS INDICATED FOR CLINICAL REASONS
Appropriate planning during daytime hours and initiating elective transfers at the earliest opportunity should obviate the need for such transfers.