48 / 66
46
7.8.1 Transfer delays by region
Figure 28: Perceived delays in transfer of patients to another hospital.
Note: total n=1,181 transfers in 5,184 operative cases.
Audit period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2015.
Comments:
•
A major reason for transfer is to attain a higher level of care, such as access to critical care support, and it is
expected that rural hospitals will have a greater need to transfer patients. However, RACS supports the Rural
Doctors Association of Victoria’s recommendation that there should be greater support and round the clock
availability of well-trained rural doctors to ensure that appropriate care is provided to the patient prior to transfer.
(27)
•
Transfer problems were more frequently seen in rural regions (20.1%; 43/214) than metropolitan areas (9.5%;
87/915). This result was statistically significant (
p
<0.001). During the last sequential year 2014-2015 of the audited
period VASM noted a reduction of 2.6% in rural delays that is commendable.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Metropolitan
Rural
Transfer delay (%)
19.2%
Rural delays
2007-2014
16.6%
Rural delays
2014-2015