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Background Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is reserved for babies with symptomatic PDA who have not responded to medical management. The WMNTS provides a drive through service for this procedure. Aim and methods Retrospective review of all drive through PDA ligation conducted by WMNTS in last 4 years (January 2007–December 2010). Results Referrals for PDA ligation have increased by over 100%. Some transfers have not been possible due to staffing issues and the need to transfer unstable babies. Stabilisation time was just under 2 h with the total transfer taking approx 7½ h on average. Abstract PE.10 Table 1Demographic details of transfers conducted 2007 2008 2009 2010 Transfers conducted 4 4 9 10 Transfers refused 0 4 3 6 Median gestation at transfer (weeks) 30 34+3 30+3 30+3 Weight at transfer (g) 976 1110 1005 909 Ventilated 4 4 7 10 Average stabilisation time (min) 51 110 162 57 Average time to transfer (min) 498 525 352 330 Conclusions The significant increase in referrals and length of time taken to complete a drive through has significant impact on the WMNTS acute team workload. This needs to be taken into consideration in the workforce planning and resource allocation of the WMNTS in the future.

AimTo evaluate the experience of West Midlands Neonatal transport service (WMNTS) in managing cardiac transfers over the last six years and identify any emerging trends in managing these transfers.MethodsAll babies transferred by WMNTS with “Cardiac” documented as primary reason for transport were identified from the electronic transport database. Data over a six year period from 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2014 was retrospectively reviewed. This excluded drive through PDA ligations. The referring unit, time of transfer, ventilation status and need for prostaglandin E1/E2 were determined.ResultsA total of 438 transfers were conducted over the six year period. 67% of babies were on prostaglandin E1/E2 infusion at time of transfer. 13.2% needed mechanical ventilation and 2.1% needed NCPAP. 84.7% were self ventilating at time of transfer. Our results showed a trend where fewer babies were being moved within 24 h of birth from neonatal units over the last four years (Table 1).ConclusionCardiac transfers continue to form an important part of our service. In our experience, more babies are now being transported to regional cardiac centres after 48 h of life over the last 4 years in comparison to previous years. This may be because of extensive education and excellent support from regional tertiary Paediatric Cardiology services allowing neonatal units the confidence to manage these babies for longer periods of time. This enables transfer to take place in timely fashion, releasing beds for more time critical infants. Paediatricians and Neonatologists with an expertise in Cardiology also play a pivotal role in supporting their local neonatal units in managing these babies.Abstract G160(P) Table 1West Midlands Neonatal Transport Service (WMNTS) cardiac transfers over the last six years200920102011201220132014Total number of babies transported908261877445Number transported within 24 h of birth41(45.5%)53(64.6%)21(34.4%)30(34.4%)26(35.1%)14(31.1%)

Introduction Congenital heart disease is the commonest group of congenital malformations and accounts for approximately 10% of infant deaths.1 Affected infants need to be transferred to paediatric cardiology centres. The West Midlands Neonatal Transfer Service (WMNTS) was established in 2007 and is primarily Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (ANNPs) led. Aim and methods Retrospective review of all acute cardiac transfers conducted by WMNTS from January 2007 to December 2010. Results 236 transfers were conducted during this period. 188 babies were on prostin infusion of which 45 babies were ventilated. 184 were transferred to cardiology wards, while 52 were transferred to PICU. 225 babies were transferred to the regional tertiary children's hospital. Conclusions Acute cardiac transfers comprised approx. 6% of the transfers conducted by WMNTS. 95% of the babies remained within region. All transfers were completed safely. ANNPs are capable of transferring these sick babies safely. Abstracts PE.11 Table 1Demographic data for cardiac transfers carried out in 4 years 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total cardiac transfers/total annual transfers 77/1115 79/1251 80/1328 78/1414 Median gestational age weeks (range) 40 (31–42) 39 (31–42) 39 (32–43) 39 (29–40) Median birth weight in g (range) 3090 1096–4400 2960 1020–4890 3100 1064–4536 3085 1055–4440 Male: Female ratio 36: 41 42: 37 42: 38 44:34 Receiving prostin 59 55 74 57 Median prostin dose ng/kg/min (range) 5 (5–100) 5 (5–100) 5 (5–100) 5 (5–50) Ventilated 17 13 15 9 ANNP: Registrar 71: 1 59:13 50:24 63:15