TRANSFERRING A PATIENT TO A TREATMENT CENTRE

There are three forms available for this procedure:

Transfer of detained patient (Form 8)

  • Provided to the treatment centre
  • For patients already admitted to a treatment centre
  • Filled in only by a psychiatrist

Transfer of patient prior to admission (Form 6)

  • Provided to the treatment centre
  • For patients not yet admitted to a treatment centre
  • Filled in by any doctor

Request for transport of patient (Form 15)

  • Provided to the police or ambulance service whenever a patient requires transfer to a treatment centre
  • Filled in by any doctor
  • The decision to use a Form 6 or Form 8 is based on whether the patient is considered admitted or not.  However, note only a psychiatrist (not registrar) can sign the Form 8.
  • The definition of admission is somewhat blurred by the fact that often the decision for admission has been made but the patient may wait overnight in the ED for a bed to become available.
  • For practical purposes, a Form 6 should suffice for transport of ED patients awaiting a bed although technically they have already been admitted
 
Disclaimer: Note: The information described here relates solely to operational matters in the Emergency Department.  Every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the content. However, neither the author or the hospital will take responsibility for errors resulting from its use.  Please refer to your own departmental guidelines and verify all clinical decisions with a reliable source.  

Date Last Reviewed: 05/08/2004