Network Coordination Service: 0300 330 3999, option 3.

As soon as a trauma patient arrives in a Trauma Unit (TU), consideration should be made to whether they may require transfer to the MTC or other specialist facility. The Network Coordination Service (NCS) should be contacted as soon as transfer is considered. This may be PRIOR to stabilisation and imaging to enable early support of transfer. It is vital that the patient is transferred as soon as is safely possible and delays are not incurred. The TU has a number of options available to them to support patient transfer and the NCS consultant will assist with clinical and logistical planning. The options are usually:

• Use of TU medical/nursing staff and East of England Ambulance Trust (EEAST) vehicle arranged internally by the TU and through ambulance control after discussion with NCS.
• Use of enhanced care teams with or without EEAST vehicle arranged through NCS.

Regardless of which option is utilised, all personnel undertaking transfers should be current with appropriate transfer training and all patients with critical care needs should have a transfer compliant with AAGBI and Intensive Care Society guidelines. This includes guidelines for monitoring, oxygen, equipment, drugs, fluids including blood products and appropriate transfer vehicle.