LOCATION:

National Ambulance Service Critical Care Retrieval Service & Children’s Health Ireland

 

THE PROBLEM:

Each year, many children are transferred to CHI from their local paediatric ward for specialised or intensive care.  Due to the lack of a transport solution, most would stay in CHI for their whole admission even when improving and no longer needing additional expertise. This caused emotional and financial difficulties for families and also contributed to bed flow challenges for elective surgeries and intensive care beds.

 

THE SOLUTION:

We aimed to develop a consultant-supported, nurse led transport service that would identify stable children with ongoing medical needs that could be met by a regional paediatric department and transport them safely to their local hospital for the remainder of their admission.

 

BENEFITS:

115 transfers were completed in the first 10 months. This translated to a saving of 479 bed days and over €500,000 for CHI. 4 children with complex needs were transferred home for end of life care with consultant support. No child required readmission to CHI and 12 children were declined for transfer due to being deemed too unwell, highlighting a key safety benefit. Regional teams greatly appreciate the enhanced holistic handover and feel it has improved continuity of care. Family feedback has been universally positive. Parents write of confidence & comfort in the team, the child centred approach, and importance of being closer to home. 

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PROJECT CONTACT DETAILS:

Lorraine.heery@hse.ie