Transfer

Transfer in a medical context refers to the movement of a patient from one location to another, either within the same hospital (intra-hospital transfer) or between different hospitals (inter-hospital transfer). Both types require careful planning to ensure patient safety, as critically ill patients are particularly vulnerable during transitions when monitoring and emergency equipment may be temporarily reduced.

Intra-hospital transfers are common for critically ill patients requiring investigations or procedures not available at the bedside. Following cardiac arrest, patients in the intensive care unit may need to be transferred to the radiology department for CT brain imaging, to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory for coronary angiography, or to operating theatres for surgery. These transfers are conducted with full monitoring, a doctor and nurse in attendance, and resuscitation equipment immediately available.

Inter-hospital transfer may be necessary when a patient requires specialist care not available at the referring hospital. For cardiac arrest survivors, this can include transfer to a specialist centre for primary PCI, cardiac surgery, or specialist neurorehabilitation. Transfers are coordinated through regional networks and may involve critical care transport teams. The clinical condition, stability, and urgency are carefully assessed before transfer, and families are informed and given contact details for the receiving unit.

For families, finding out that a loved one is being transferred to another hospital can be distressing. The transferring team will explain the reason for the transfer, the destination, and how to make contact with the receiving team. Continuity of care is maintained through a detailed handover between the transferring and receiving clinical teams.