Increasing demand for drive through pda ligations conducted by the west midlands neonatal transfer service (WMNTS)

Background Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is reserved for babies with symptomatic PDA who have not responded to medical management. The WMNTS provides a drive through service for this procedure. Aim and methods Retrospective review of all drive through PDA ligation conducted by WMNTS in last 4 years (January 2007–December 2010). Results Referrals for PDA ligation have increased by over 100%. Some transfers have not been possible due to staffing issues and the need to transfer unstable babies. Stabilisation time was just under 2 h with the total transfer taking approx 7½ h on average. Conclusions The significant increase in referrals and length of time taken to complete a drive through has significant impact on the WMNTS acute team workload. This needs to be taken into consideration in the workforce planning and resource allocation of the WMNTS in the future.