Frequently
asked questions about Transport
Our new Neonatal Transport Team covers the Eastern region,
providing services to a population of over 5 million people
and 19 hospitals providing neonatal intensive care.
Geographical area:
Our area is large - extending from the south coast to North
Norfolk. Our headquarters are at Addenbrooke's Hospital
in Cambridge, which is well placed to serve this area. Addenbrooke's
also has a so-called tertiary neonatal intensive care unit
(NICU), providing specialised services.
Our work:
During 2002, there were about 300 neonatal transfers in
the Eastern region. We expect this to rise in future years.
We work closely with the nursing and medical staff of all
the hospitals we serve. This includes the NICU at Addenbrooke's
- although we are a distinct Regional resource.
The Transport Team will provide emergency and pre-planned
transfers of neonates between all referring and admitting
NICUs within the Region. It may also transfer neonates out
of the Region, if necessary.
In this way, we can ensure that the care of neonates is
not restricted by the availability of intensive care cots
in an individual unit (eg only close to where they have
been born or live).
Who we are:
The team will consist initially of six senior nurses, a
transport manager and a neonatologist (doctor) and is expected
to grow. We are looking to recruit further staff, particularly
neonatal nurses.
How we work:
Our team will initially be physician-led but our long term
aim is to provide nurse-led transport.
In the future:
We are currently developing a web-based system to support
our staff identify quickly where NICU cots are available.
We hope this will free up the time of highly qualified and
experienced staff.
Opportunities for staff to work with us:
We believe this new initiative is both new and exciting;
it will provide much needed services to a very vulnerable
group of patients and their families.
If you are interested in joining our friendly, experienced
Team, please contact the Unit. Staff who join us at this
early stage of our development will have a unique opportunity
to shape their service, which will be both interesting and
rewarding.
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