Transfer a Patient

To transfer a pediatric patient to UVA Health Children’s Hospital or NICU, call 1.844.XFER.UVA (933.7882).

The Call Process - For Non-Emergency Transfers

• You'll speak with experienced medics specially trained to triage requests.
• You'll be asked questions about your transfer request. Specify if you're calling for potential transfer to the NICU or UVA Health Children’s Hospital.
• You'll be placed on hold briefly while the UVA attending physician or fellow joins the line. 
• After you speak with the physician, the transfer center facilitator will remain on the line to collect more details about the transfer.
• A unit assistant or nurse may complete the call to allow you to return to care for your patient.
• The Newborn Emergency Transport Service (NETS) or the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Service will promptly dispatch if necessary.

Our process helps us facilitate bed assignments and information-sharing for NICU transfers. Contact the NICU directly for non-transfer consultations and emergencies, such as newborn CPR - call 434.924.2335.

NETS Presence at Deliveries

NETS is only dispatched for a delivery if the fetus is less than 30 weeks or has known abnormalities that require immediate care.

This helps limit long waiting periods and dispatch delays for other emergencies.

Information Needed for a Transfer

Expedite the transfer. Have this info ready when you call:

• Patient demographics
• Diagnosis
• Medical service(s) requested
• Vital signs and pertinent labs
• Contact information for the current attending physician
• Current location of the patient

In addition, we would appreciate that you provide with the patient:

• Demographic sheet
• Discharge summary, including all lab results
• All operative/procedure notes
• An electronic upload of all radiographic images relevant to the transfer, including echocardiograms, CTs, ultrasounds, X-rays, etc.