Objectives: Primary transfer is direct patient transport from a referring unit to a tertiary hospital, currently coordinated by the referring hospital using local ambulance services. Adult data show regional teams reduce transfer times, but paediatric evidence is limited. Delayed transfer is associated with clinical deterioration, prolonged ICU stay, and increased morbidity and mortality. This study modelled whether a regional paediatric primary transfer team would reduce transfer times versus current practice.

Methods: A retrospective modelling study was conducted using the primary transfer database (June 2018–May 2025). Of 115 transfers, 35 were excluded (23 non-Birmingham Children's Hospital, 10 incomplete data, 2 outliers), leaving 80 cases (52 HDU, 28 ITU). Current transfer time was referral to arrival. Modelled time was twice the journey time plus fixed standard preparation time (45 min HDU, 60 min ITU). Mean, SEM, and paired t-test compared observed vs. modelled times, with subgroup analysis (HDU vs ITU patients).

Results: Mean observed transfer time was 173.98 minutes (SD 71.42). Mean modelled time was 142.11 minutes (SD 33.47). The mean difference was 31.86 minutes (95% CI 15.6–48.2; p = 0.0003 Paired T-test). Overall, 58/80 (72.5%) of modelled transfers were faster. For HDU patients, the mean reduction was 36.41 minutes (p = 0.0004 paired T test). For ITU patients, the mean reduction was 23.41 minutes but was not statistically significant (p = 0.15). Transfers from longer-distance units (e.g., Stoke, Hereford) were slower in the modelled team. Mean transfer volume was approximately 12–15 per year (1–2 monthly).

Conclusion: A regional paediatric primary transfer team would likely be faster in two-thirds of cases, particularly for HDU patients. Simultaneous dispatch could enable parallel preparation. No significant benefit was shown for ITU patients or long-distance units. Given the low annual volume, additional workload would be minimal. Pilot implementation and audits are recommended.

Yumna Shariff is a medical graduate of Bahria University Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan, with clinical experience at Aga Khan University Hospital. Her interests include pediatrics, neonatology, pediatric critical care, and clinical research. She has contributed to multiple research publications, case reports, and conference abstracts. As a Clinical Research Associate, she participated in the WHO ACTION III study, contributing to maternal and child health research. Her work includes an abstract accepted at CEPAS 2026 in France and research presentations and case reports accepted at the Aga Khan University pediatrics conference. Beyond research, she is passionate about academic collaboration, mentorship, and promoting research opportunities for early-career physicians. She aspires to pursue postgraduate training in pediatrics while contributing to evidence-based clinical practice and research aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.