Transferring patients to other hospitals is causing unnecessary risks
Patients with head injuries, burns or specific health issues are often transferred to hospitals which are better able to cater for their needs, but recent information has shown that these journeys often put the patient at greater risk.
The British Medical Association claims that medics often have to rely on battery powered equipment during the transfers which are prone to failing. A large proportion of ambulances do not have three pin plug facilities meaning that batteries are the only source of power for ventilators, blood pressure monitoring and intravenous drug equipment. Battery power can often fail resulting in the use of manual methods for patients whilst they are in transit.
New ambulances are being fitted with power supplies which will resolve the problem long-term but a phased approach will mean that older vehicles are likely to remain on the road for the next five years. It is possible to use adaptors which allow the use of a three pin plug, which can be purchased for £100 but are only in use by some NHS Trusts. All Trusts are responsible for equipping their ambulances, and it is thought one interim solution would be for them to stock up on these to prevent the problem.
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