508 Regional Cardiac Networks: can they Work?. (October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Puppala, NK; Phatak, R; Atasanov, K; Parkins, K; Ali, S
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 97(2012)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A148
• Page End: A148
• Publication Date: 2012-10
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-302724.0508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Only eleven paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in UK have cardiac surgical services on-site. Small proportion of patients admitted to non-cardiac surgical PICUs require transport to surgical centres. North West and North Wales Paediatric Transport service (NWTS) provides PIC transport service, including ability to conference call specialists. Alder Hey Children's hospital (AHCH) is the cardiac surgical centre and Royal Manchester Children's hospital (RMCH) only has cardiology on site. Methods: Retrospective review suspected cardiac cases transferred in 12 months:- assessing if time critical surgical patients underwent single transfer to surgical centre- interventions by referring hospital or NWTS. Results: Total 29 patients of suspected cardiac diagnosis. Seven patients had time critical cardiac surgical lesions. One patient required a second immediate transfer to surgical centre. Retrospectively, this could have been predicted from clinical picture. 68% patients had dinoprostone started by referring team following advice from cardiologist or NWTS. Inotropes initiated on advice or by NWTS. Conclusions: Regional cardiac network can work effectively with improved communication particularly in acute scenario. Potential surgical cases may be predicted from clinical picture, especially if not resolving with full medical treatment.