A survey of secondary transfers of head injured patients in the south of England.

A survey by questionnaire was carried out to look into the provision of facilities for the secondary transfer of head injured patients, as well as difficulties encountered. An 84.6% response rate was achieved from 110 hospitals in six regions in the south of England. The results showed that 21% of hospitals had been unable to make a transfer in the previous year, and delays were commonly experienced by 23.7% of hospitals. The nursing attendance during transfer was satisfactory, but the quality of medical escort was poor, and the standard of monitoring equipment available was unacceptable. Methods of improving the situation include implementation of the recommendations of the Royal College of Surgeons, as well as the Association of Anaesthetists' recommendations for standards of monitoring and provision of intensive care.