A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 31
An introduction to the NICU and SCN
Be prepared
The movement of your baby from the NICU to the SCN can sometimes be
unexpected and sudden. By speaking to the nurses and doctors in charge,
you’ll know when the move is becoming imminent.
There can be several reasons why your baby is transferred. There may be a
sudden increase in baby needing a higher level of care or your baby may be
more stable and therefore ready to move to a less high-dependency area.
Speak to the staff about the SCN your baby will be transferred to. It may be
within the same hospital or closer to home. Once the transfer is confirmed,
ask if you can pay a visit to the nursery so you’re more familiar with it before
your baby is moved.
We understand how difficult this transition can be so if you require support
during this time, reach out to your hospital social worker or to LLTF who can
put you in touch with one of our peer support staff.
Ambulance Travel - Newborn Emergency Transport Service
During your baby’s stay in hospital, there may be a time when they will be
transferred to another hospital. If this is to happen, you will come across
acronyms such as PIPER which stands for Paediatric Infant Perinatal
Emergency Retrieval (Victorian based). This service provides critical care
transport for newborn or premature babies needing care not available at
their hospital of birth or babies being moved to a lower level hospital once
intensive care is no longer necessary.
If your baby is to be transferred by a transport service, you will be advised
of this in advance. Please be aware that sometimes families are not able
to travel with their baby. The ambulances are
specially fitted out for the task of loading and
moving the heavy equipment needed for mobile
intensive care. They feature easy loading systems
and supplies of medical air as well as oxygen.
Due to these features, parents normally do not travel
with their babies. But rest assured, your baby will
receive the best medical care at all times.
For more information, go to: www.nets.org.au
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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