Must ensure the receiving hospital's acceptance of the patient. Stabilization includes evaluation and initiation of treatment to ensure, within reasonable medical probability, that transfer of a patient will not result in death or in loss or serious impairment of bodily functions, part, or organs. The escort should consist of appropriately trained personnel and equipment needed to handle specific patient related problems which may occur en route. The potential for rapid deterioration of a critically ill child and the need for aggressive treatment is often underestimated. Responsibilities of the referring and receiving physicians, and the preparation for transfer, remain critical aspects in the interfacility transportation of children.
Communication is vital.
The transferring hospital and physician must ensure that the skills and equipment available during transport will meet the anticipated needs of the patient. Pre-transfer resuscitation and stabilization are vital. The Mental Health Act makes specific provisions for the interfacility transfer of the mentally ill. Patients who are being transferred from one hospital inpatient unit to another hospital inpatient unit require a Warrant, once both hospitals have agreed to the transfer. In order to obtain a Warrant of Transfer, the Office of the Chief Provincial Psychiatrist must be contacted.