Transport

Neonatal HelicopterEarly recognition and transfer of high-risk pregnant women and sick newborns to facilities with adequate diagnosis and treatment expertise is essential to reduce neonatal mortality rates.  West Virginia needs a more coordinated, statewide approach to ensuring that appropriate maternal and infant transport is available around the clock.  The transport committee has made and is in the process of implementing these and related goals.

The committee's 2007 discussion of the issue of perinatal transport and recommendations for improvement are found in the Reports on the Blueprint to Improve Perinatal Health Care (2007).


2008 W. Va. Transport Summit Report Available

In June, 2008, West Virginia health professionals and administrators from facilities and organizations involved with maternal and infant transport met at a central West Virginia location to discuss implementation of the recommendations of the Perinatal Partnership Transport Committee and to outline a plan of action.  Download the Report (PDF 105 KB) and Handouts. (ZIP,  1.6 MB)


Transport Committee Seeking Volunteers

Join other enthusiastic volunteers in developing a seamless system of consultation, transport, and referral for W. Va.  We have five committees addressing the following issues:

  • Single Call System for maternal and neonatal transports;
  • Perinatal education and guideline development for this website;
  • Reverse Transport Guidelines for infant care in Level II hospitals;
  • Interstate Transport Relations with hospitals in border states; and
  • Administrative and Reimbursement Issues including Funding for Perinatal Transport and Outreach Education.

Transport Guidelines

In collaboration with volunteer family practitioners, obstetricians, neonatologists, and pediatricians in West Virginia, W. Va. Perinatal Partners is developing guidelines for best practices in maternal-fetal medicine and neonatology. The guidelines will reflect evidence-based medicine as well as the input of volunteer physicians. Each of the following headings will eventually link to an associated set of guidelines.

Health Care Providers:  Your feedback is welcome!

9/16/08 Transport Guidelines Committee Meeting (Webex) 
(Note:  Unless you already have the Webex software, clicking on this link will first download and install the viewer you need to see and hear the meeting. Best results are obtained using Internet Explorer or Safari as your browser.  Firefox users may experience difficulty.)