Referring a baby or child for ECLS/ECMO

The following pages give information on our ECMO Referral Pathway. We operate a "one phonecall" approach: if you refer to us and we accept the patient for ECMO but have no bed available, then we will assist you in finding a bed.

The contact number is 0141 452 4725 - this will put you through directly to the PICU Fellow on duty.

If you wish to discuss directly with the Consultant then call the Royal Hospital for Children switchboard on
0141 201 0000 and ask to be put through to the duty PICU Consultant. Sometimes upon discussion, we will be able to advise on further advanced ICU measures that may enable the patient to be managed conventionally. We are always happy to discuss any patient who you are concerned is reaching the maximal level conventional cardiorespiratory support.

You can download a PDF of the ECLS Referral Pathway here.

If we accept your patient for ECLS and plan to do an "on-ECLS" mobile ECMO transfer, then there are several tasks we need you to complete before arrival of the mobile ECMO team. These include blood product ordering, calling theatre & imaging staff and locating essential equipment. You help with these will ensure prompt cannulation of the patient when we arrive at your ICU. You can download a PDF of the Referring Centre Mobile ECLS Cannulation Tasklist here.