The Atom Shuttle System is a module that clips onto an Atom incubator enabling a baby to be safely transferred around the hospital in their existing incubator instead of having to be moved into another piece of equipment for the transfer. (The Hampshire Medical Fund purchased the Atom Incubators for the hospital a couple of years ago).

At Basingstoke Hospital, babies requiring urgent respiratory support are often stabilised in the delivery suite before being transferred two floors down to the Neonatal Unit. Currently, this transfer is carried out using a resuscitaire. Having the Atom Shuttle System will provide a significantly safer, more comfortable and controlled environment, thus enabling premature, ventilated and critically unwell babies to be transported more safely within the hospital.  Babies require minimal handling post-delivery and the Atom Shuttle System supports this by enabling the baby to stay in the same incubator all the time, reducing the chance of an unstable temperature and possible dislodgment of leads and intubation tubes.

Beyond emergency transfers, the incubator can also be used to transport babies needing respiratory support to see their mothers on the maternity ward when mothers are unable to visit the Neonatal Unit. This supports early bonding, an essential part of both infant development and maternal wellbeing. This shuttle system would also be used to transport babies for diagnostics within the hospital when required.

Approximately 250 babies each year at Basingstoke Hospital would benefit from safer, more comfortable transport aligned with the standard already available in Winchester.

Key Benefits

• Safer Transfers – Maintains a controlled, ventilated, enclosed environment for vulnerable newborns whilst they are being transferred without them needing to be moved to another piece of equipment
  • Supports Parent–Baby Bonding – Enables babies to visit mothers on the maternity ward who cannot travel to the unit
  • Aligns Neonatal Standards – Brings Basingstoke in line with Winchester provision.
  • Enables Diagnostic Transfers – Facilitates safe movement to imaging and other departments.