Census of neonatal transfers in London and the South East of England.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the number and characteristics of inter-hospital transfers of newborn infants in London and the South East of England.


METHODS
Prospective census of neonatal transfers over a three month period.


METHODS
Transfers between the 53 hospitals that provide care for newborn infants within the former Thames regions.


METHODS
Census returns from participating neonatal units.


METHODS
Number, timing, and hours of staff time spent on transfers. Gestation, birth weight, and reason for transfer of the baby. Time elapsed between request and retrieving team departing and arriving with patient.


RESULTS
A daily average of 2.7 urgent, 3.5 elective, and 0.7 short term transfers took place during the census period. The most common reason for urgent transfer was neonatal surgery. Neonatal unit staff spent an average of 21 hours a day off their units accompanying transfers each day. It took over four hours for 90% of ambulances to set off with the retrieving team and over six hours for 90% of teams to reach the baby.


CONCLUSIONS
During the census period, services for the transport of neonates in London and the South East of England involved long delays and used appreciable amounts of staff time. It is likely that a small number of dedicated neonatal transfer teams could meet the needs identified in this census more effectively than the 53 hospitals currently involved.
Kempley
S T
ST
Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK. steve.kempley@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk
Sinha
A K
AK
D000552:Ambulances; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008131:London; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013997:Time Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000458:organization & administration