Outreach Educational Program
Through our Outreach Educational Program, we are building a network of exceptional newborn care providers throughout South Texas under the leadership of Don Mc Curnin, M.D., Director, Neonatal Transport & Outreach Program. Telephone consultation with our neonatologists or arrangements for transfer can be made by calling our Neonatal Transport Hotline at: (800) 616-6122.
Neonatal Transport Process
If you are a physician faced with an infant who would benefit from neonatal intensive care, here is how to start the transport process:
- Call the Neonatal Transport Hotline at (800) 616-6122 or (210) 358-1593.
- Have available maternal and infant information, including prenatal history, labor and delivery history, neonatal resuscitation, birth weight, vitals signs, ventilatory support, and current laboratory values.
When the phone is answered, state that you are calling to arrange a neonatal transport and provide your name, location, and phone number. If the neonatologist is not immediately available, the transport nurse or the NICU charge nurse will take the necessary information while the neonatologist is notified of your call.- After the neonatologist has accepted the transfer, be prepared to speak to someone in the Transfer Center ((210) 358-2500)to begin administrative duties required for patient transfer.
- The neonatologist is available for medical management questions prior to and during the transport.
Communication with Referring Physicians
Our neonatologist will contact the referring physician with the infant's status once the infant has arrived and been stabilized in the NICU.
NICU physicians will continue to update the referring physician throughout the infant's stay in preparation for discharge or return transfer to the referring hospital and physician.
Return Transport
Our transport team offers return transport for patients by ambulance or air, depending on the baby's condition.
