When someone you care about becomes critically ill, they may need to be transferred to another hospital for specialist treatment. This page explains why transfers are sometimes necessary, what happens during a critical care transfer, and provides contact details for critical care units across Northern Ireland.
Why might a patient be transferred?
Some illnesses and injuries require specialist care that is only available in certain hospitals. Patients may first receive treatment at their local Emergency Department before being transferred to the most appropriate hospital for ongoing care.
Transfers may also be required to access specialist intensive care services, equipment or bed capacity in another hospital.
What is a Critical Care Transfer?
A critical care transfer is the movement of a critically ill patient from one hospital or critical care unit to another whilst continuing to provide intensive treatment and monitoring.
During a transfer, patients may require:
- Mechanical ventilation to support breathing
- Medicines to support blood pressure
- Sedation or anaesthesia
- Continuous monitoring by specialist staff
A dedicated critical care transfer team ensures patients remain safe and stable throughout the journey.
Critical Care Equipment
It can be overwhelming to see the amount of equipment surrounding a loved one during a transfer. Each item has an important role in supporting their treatment and helping keep them safe.
Intubation
A breathing tube may be placed into the patient’s airway to protect it and enable breathing support.
Ventilation
A ventilator is a machine that helps patients breathe and delivers oxygen to their lungs.
Central Line
A central line is a thin tube placed into a large vein, usually in the neck, chest or groin. It allows medications and fluids to be given directly into the bloodstream.
Infusion Pumps
Infusion pumps deliver medications continuously and accurately throughout the transfer.
Critical Care Unit Contact Details
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Royal Victoria Hospital
Regional Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: Level 6, Critical Care Building
Telephone: (028) 9615 0749
The Regional ICU provides specialist critical care services and supports patients with complex conditions from across Northern Ireland.
Coronary Care Unit
Telephone: (028) 9615 0826
Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children
The hospital provides specialist intensive care services for critically ill children from across Northern Ireland.
Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Location: Children’s Hospital, Royal Hospitals Site
Telephone: (028) 9615 1358
Special Care Baby Unit
Telephone: (028) 9615 6591
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Telephone: (028) 9615 0571 or (028) 9615 0560
Belfast City Hospital
Intensive Care Unit
Location: Ground Floor
Telephone: (028) 9504 1207
Mater Hospital
Intensive Care Unit
Location: Ground Floor
Telephone: (028) 9504 1509
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Ulster Hospital
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: Level 2, Critical Care Complex
Telephone: (028) 9041 1456 or (028) 9041 1457
Western Health and Social Care Trust
Altnagelvin Hospital
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: First Floor, Main Building
Telephone: (028) 7161 1207
South West Acute Hospital
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: Level 1 (Lift D)
Telephone: (028) 6638 2543
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Craigavon Area Hospital
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: Ground Floor
Telephone: (028) 3756 6863
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Antrim Area Hospital
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: Level C, Main Building
Telephone: (028) 9442 4724
Causeway Hospital
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: First Floor, Right Wing Corridor
Telephone: (028) 7034 6134
Further Information
If you have any questions about a patient’s transfer or care, please speak to a member of the healthcare team, who will be happy to help and provide further information.