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To ensure the safe transfer of a patient for a Rapid Assessment Clinic (RAC) visit at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, transferring facilities must review the information and guidelines provided here.

This will facilitate a safe and timely transfer of patients to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Upon arrival, RAC ambulance patients can go to the Urgent Care Clinic on the 2nd floor.

Urgent Care Clinic Hours of Operation:

The Urgent Care Clinic opens at 9:00 a.m. Monday to Friday.

Patient Status

All patients arriving by ambulance must be clinically stable:

  • Minimal risk that the medical condition will deteriorate during the transfer process
  • Vital signs (HR, BP, Temp, RR, Neuro signs) are within normal parameters

NOTE: Clinically unstable/acutely ill patients should not be transferred to Princess Margaret. Ambulatory clinics do not have the capacity to support unstable patients. If a patient requires acute care management, please contact the consulting Princess Margaret oncologist.

Patient Escort

All patients arriving by ambulance or transport service must be accompanied, see table below for details. Please ensure that you have arranged the appropriate escort for the transfer and the duration of the patient's visit. Referring facilities must arrange return transportation.

Patient Care Required Type of Escort Required

Oxygen Therapy:

  • Oxygen utilization
 Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)

Tracheostomy suctioning/care:

  • Continuous IV infusion may be present (no high-risk drugs, e.g. insulin, vasopressors, heparin and high-dose electrolytes)
  • Patients who require medications (e.g. pain medication, antibiotics), the sending facility must provide the medication.
  • Patients who may require nursing care for another reason
 Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
For all other patients Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or Personal Support Worker (PSW)

Required Information and Supplies to Accompany the Patient

  • Patient Transfer Summary Form [PDF]
  • Ontario Health Insurance Card (OHIP)
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)/No cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (No CPR) Documentation (if applicable)
  • Patient's current chart and list of medications they are taking
  • Diagnostic imaging, CD of X-rays, MRI, CT, etc.
  • Bagged lunch or meal for the patient
  • Ministry of Transportation (MT) number

Up to two (2) family members/friends may accompany the patient to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Please remind family members to avoid coming to the hospital if they have any of the following symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fever and/or chills
  • New or worsening cough within the last 24 hours

NOTE: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is a scent free environment.​

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https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Education/Continuing_Education_Programs/Pages/continuing_education_programs.aspx
Last reviewed: 10/24/2019
Last modified: 12/3/2024 8:27 AM
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