Why is your baby being transferred?

Your baby may need to be transferred to another hospital for a number of different reasons. The most common reason is that your baby requires a higher level of care than their local hospital is able to provide. Neonatal units are described as providing different levels of care ranging from level 1 to level 3, with Level 3 providing care for the most unwell babies. An extremely preterm baby, for example, will need to be cared for in a level 3 unit. This map provides information on different units and their level. The hospitals highlighted in red are the Northwest level 3 neonatal units and those in blue are the level 1-2 units.

On some occasions your baby may need to be moved because they have been born with/developed a heart condition or surgical condition that requires surgery or specialist review. In the North West our surgical and cardiac centres are based at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester. These hospitals are highlighted in green on the map.

Alternatively, your baby may also be transferred to a hospital closer to your home for continuation of care after they have got better. They may also need taking to outpatient appointments before they are ready for discharge.

The Consultant at your local hospital should inform you why your baby is being transferred.