Emergency Services
Indications for neonatal transfer via NETS
The decision to transfer is based upon:
- the severity of the baby's condition
- the potential for deterioration
- the resources & capabilities of the referring hospital
- the need for specialist assessment
- the requirement for treatment &/or therapy only available in a tertiary center
Specific conditions for which transfer should be considered include:
- Respiratory distress
Transfer should be considered if the baby:
- requires O2 for more than four hours after birth
- requires more that 40-50% O2 to maintain SaO2 above 90%
- is having apnoeic episodes requiring bag and mask ventilation
- has suspected pneumonia with signs of systemic infection
- Low birth weight
- Most babies < 1250 g require an initial period of supervision in a NICU
- Babies 1250 – 2000 g require at least Level 2 nursery care
- All extremely premature live born babies should be discussed with a neonatal consultant regarding transfer and management
- Recurrent apnoea
- Seizures
- Perinatal asphyxia
Transfer to a NICU should be considered whenever a baby:
- requires intubation and assisted ventilation during resuscitation
- has not established regular respirations within 5-10 mins after birth
- develops seizure activity
- Jaundice (with potential for exchange transfusion)
- Bleeding from any site
- Hypoglycaemia unresponsive to recommended treatment
- Surgical conditions
- Congenital Heart Disease (suspected or known)
- Severe or multiple congenital abnormalities
- Sepsis (with signs of systemic infection)
For more detailed information regarding stabilization and initial management of common neonatal conditions, refer to the Victorian Neonatal Handbook (on line)
Where there is uncertainty regarding the need to transfer a baby, NETS can be consulted at any time.
24 hour NETS emergency line: 1300 137 650
Babies who do not require intensive care, but who are unable to be cared for at the hospital of their birth, may be transferred to a high dependency Level 2 hospital where consultant paediatric cover is provided. After consultation with the referring doctor, NETS can assist with such decisions and facilitate the transfer process of such babies.
Paediatric patients.
- Dependent upon the clinical condition and diagnosis, NETS are able to retrieve infants weighing up to 6kgs
- If an infant is unsuitable for NETS transfer, referral to the Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (PETS) can be arranged.
PETS can be contacted directly through the Royal Children's Hospital by telephoning (03) 9345 5211
