Sending Patients to PM by Ambulance
Transferring facilities must review the information and guidelines provided here.
This will help ensure the safe and timely transfer of patients to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Upon arrival, ambulance patients can go to their appointment or to the Ambulance Waiting section of the Day Oncology Clinic on the main floor. Some patients arriving by ambulance may go directly to their clinic or treatment visit.
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Ambulance Waiting Section Hours of Operation: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, 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. Make sure that you have arranged the appropriate escort for the transfer and the duration of the patient's visit. Referring facilities must arrange return transportation. Princess Margaret staff in the Ambulance Waiting section of Day Oncology will confirm pick-up time with the transportation service selected by your organization.
Patient Care Required |
Type of Escort Required |
Oxygen Therapy:
|
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
NOTE: Princess Margaret is a scent free environment.
Contact the consulting physician’s office if you have any questions.
Wait Times
Type of Appointment |
Estimated Time Required |
New patient consult |
2 - 6 hours |
Radiation planning and treatment |
3 - 5 hours |
Radiation treatment only |
15 - 60 minutes |
Radiation treatment and review |
45 - 120 minutes |
Radiation planning only |
30 - 90 minutes |
Systemic therapy |
Up to 8 hours |
Procedure |
2 hours |
Follow-up appointment |
2 - 3 hours
|