NECTAR was officially launched as the ‘North East Children’s Transport and Retrieval’ Team in April 2016.Over the years we have grown and developed the service.  

We have recently rebranded to become more inclusive of our patient population and changed our name to the ‘North East & Cumbria Transport and Retrieval’ team. This was done in 2021 after being commissioned to undertake adult transfers.

We are a 24-hour service providing high quality transport to patients of all ages. Our team have extensive experience & training in providing care to critically unwell patients. NECTAR is currently supporting the adult critical care network in the region of Yorkshire and Humber for adult transfers.

NECTAR covers the North East and Cumbria Region, if a patient requires specialist services nationwide, we will try and facilitate this. We provide advice and decision-making support for all referrals.

The NECTAR team is made up of trained professionals who provide care for both children and adults requiring transfer. The team is made up of a wide range of professionals this could include: emergency response driver, Shift Coordinator, Transport consultant (Paediatric and Adult), Transport Registrar (Adult and paediatric), Transport Practitioner, Transport Trainee practitioner and administration staff.

Types of transfers

Acute transfers

This will involve a conference call with a transport consultant, transport practitioner and potentially other professionals involved in the patients care. They will provide support and advice and make a decision on transfer requirements.

Non acute transfers

This is led by a Transport Practitioner with telephone support from the shift coordinator and consultant. The practitioners come from a nursing and ODP background and receive extensive training. These transfers are assessed using a robust triage tool.

Making a referral

• Telephone NECTAR head quarters though our dedicated referral line which is in use 24/7: 
  Specify the type of transport you require
  
• A member of the admin team will take initial demographics. If the situation is life threatening, state this at the beginning of the call, only basic details will be taken and an immediate call conference set up
  
• If an acute transfer is required a call conference with NECTAR clinician. Any other clinicians or specialists can be added to the call. All call conferences are recorded.
  
• Management plan confirmed and further advice given
  
• Bed confirmed for the patient