Hospital Transfer
Nurture E Information Hub
Evidence
The transition from a NICU to a SCN is a difficult time for parents as they adjust to different staff and practices. Both NICU and SCN staff should be proactive in anticipating and addressing these issues. If the referring neonatologist believes a particular approach should be considered for a particular baby, this should be discussed with the receiving paediatrician directly so that a consistent message goes to the parents.
https://www.infantjournal.co.uk/pdf/inf_008_pts.pdf
Joanna Hawthorne, Margaret Killen
The parents may feel they have lost control in the new environment of the neonatal unit; they try to understand and work out what everything means, from the monitors to staff routines, to the medical diagnosis. After some weeks, they become quite knowledgeable about life in the neonatal unit and feel more secure. Because parents have experienced the traumatic events of a premature birth, or an ill baby, they become extremely sensitive to their surroundings and any changes that take place. They hold steadfastly on to what they know, so any move can cause a great deal of emotional turmoil. Even a move within the hospital can be upsetting for parents. This might happen when their baby is moved to another part of the room or another room, without notice, a move from intensive care to special care, or being taken to a test in another part of the hospital.
Education
If your baby is doing well but not yet ready to go home, the next stage of your baby’s care will be in a special care unit at another hospital.
When your baby is in neonatal care in a high level of intensive care, you may have had to travel or relocate to be with your baby. This hospital journey can be very isolating and lonely, and you may feel overwhelmed at being away from your family, support network and community at such a challenging time.
As your baby gets stronger and no longer requires high level intensive care, your baby will be transferred to a local hospital closer to your home. This might happen quite quickly, and you may not feel ready or prepared for this change.
Many questions and emotions can arise when hospital transfer is first mentioned. You may feel excited to being back closer to your home, family and community and you may also feel scared that your baby will not receive the high level of care that you have become used to.
It is important for parents to understand that your baby being transferred to a local hospital with a special care nursery means that your baby is doing better. Your baby is getting stronger, bigger and is starting the next part of your journey and closer to going home with you.
Care for your baby and you in a special care nursery can be quite different from a high-level intensive care unit. It can be much quieter, there will be less cots and less staff than what you have experienced so far. You will be able to be present and be able to do a lot more parenting. It may appear much calmer and more relaxed, which can help you spend more private and quality time with your baby. You will still have access to help you with expressing breastmilk, breastfeeding and support from social work and nursing staff.
You may have grown attached to the staff in the high-level intensive care unit and feel uncertain about starting over with a new team. Remember, it's okay to have these feelings and to reach out for support as you adjust to this transition.
Asking questions before and after the hospital transfer can help you understand the changes and feel more in control and prepared for this next step in your neonatal journey.
Empowerment
Transferring to a special care nursery from a high-level intensive care unit is a step closer to bringing your baby home. It is important that you are aware of how this might make you feel and talk to your baby’s health care team. Your mental health is important, and you have been through a very unexpected and emotional time.
Miracle Babies Foundation services and resources will also help guide you through this time. You can connect with our support team who have all had neonatal experience through our NurtureProgram.
NurtureLine 1300 622 243 (1300 MBABIES) 24hr family support helpline
Useful Links
Nets - Non Emergency Newborn Transport Service
https://www.nets.org.au/ReturnTransport.aspx
The Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria
https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Transferring_your_baby_240524.pdf
COPE – Centre for Perinatal Excellence
https://www.cope.org.au/getting-help/e-cope-directory/
Panda - Perinatal Mental Health
Beyond Blue - Mental Health Support
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
For When – Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing
https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/
Confirmation Content
Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances.To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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