Why do I need to be transferred?
If your baby is likely to be born early or poorly, it is important that you and your baby are in the best place to access specialist care. It is much better for the baby to be transferred whilst still in the womb.
We realise this is a worrying time for you and your family. A Doctor and Midwife will be available to discuss the reasons for transfer and which unit has been organised with you and your partner/ family.
This transfer could happen very quickly, or more slowly depending on several factors, such as:
- If you and your baby are in a stable condition and can transfer safely
- The gestation of your baby
- Ensuring your care and medication is optimised for both you and the baby
- The distance and time it will take to make the transfer
You will be transferred to a hospital with a specialist neonatal unit by ambulance and will be accompanied by a Midwife.
Not all neonatal units can provide the same level of specialist care for your baby and we are not always able to offer you a choice where your baby is cared for, but will ensure you are taken to a place with the right facilities and correct level of care for you and your baby’s needs.
Yorkshire and Humber Neonatal Network
The orange circles represent Special Care Units – Level One.
For babies who need support with the most straightforward care.
This may include minimal breathing support, help with feeding, treatment for jaundice and additional
monitoring of heart rate and breathing plus any recovery and convalescence from other care. The majority of babies will be born after 32 weeks gestation and weighing more than 1,000 grams. If you have a twin pregnancy these babies will need to be over 34 weeks gestation to deliver in a level One unit. Higher multiples i.e. triplets will be delivered in a higher-level unit.
These are located in:
- Airedale
- Bassetlaw
- Harrogate
- Scarborough
- St James’, Leeds
The purple circles represent Local Neonatal Units – Level Two
For babies who require special care needs, as those above, as well as short-term breathing support via a breathing machine and/ or high dependency care, such as longer-term breathing support, and/ or babies who require more longer-term support with feeding and nutrition are also cared for here.
Babies born after 27 weeks gestation, weighing more than 800g may receive all their care in an LNU.
These are located in:
- Barnsley
- Calderdale
- Chesterfield
- Doncaster
- Grimsby
- Pinderfields
- Rotherham
- Scunthorpe
- York
The blue circles represent Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – Level Three
These units provide all levels of care as above for their own local area, as well as the Yorkshire and Humber Network. This includes a range of highly specialised care and expertise.
Some units specialise in surgery and/or looking after specific conditions.
Any baby born after 22 weeks requiring intensive care, high dependency and special care may receive some or all their care here.
These are located here:
- Bradford
- Hull
- Sheffield Children’s Neonatal Surgical Unit
- Jessop Wing, Sheffield
- Leeds General Infirmary
Unfortunately, your partner will not be able to travel in the ambulance with you but they will be given the hospital details in order to meet you there.
If your baby is not born soon after transfer
If you have been transferred to another hospital before your baby is born, there is a possibility you may not give birth following the transfer. Depending on you and your baby’s needs you may be discharged home or transferred back to your local hospital for continued antenatal care.
When your baby is born
If your baby is born before transfer is possible and requires further specialised care, your baby will be transferred by the Embrace Transport Team (Yorkshire & Humber Infant and Children’s Transport service).
Transferring to your local hospital for continuing care
Once your baby no longer requires specialist care, your baby will be transferred back to a hospital closer to home.
