title: The state of neonatal transport services in the UK.
abstract: Neonatal transfer services across the UK have evolved at different rates, using a variety of approaches. Scotland, Northern Ireland and most recently Wales have adopted a more centralised approach than in England, where due to comparative population size transport services have developed alongside neonatal network boundaries. Despite considerable investment, transport provision remains variable in some areas and there are continuing issues common to most regions, including service provision and configuration, training, competencies and audit. Further development is required to optimise the use of available resources and develop benchmarking to ensure a high quality sustainable service.
authors.affiliation: Newcastle Neonatal Service, Ward 35, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK. a.c.fenton@ncl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Alan C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Fenton
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leslie
mesh_terms: D017732:Air Ambulances; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009359:Neonatology; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce