Absolutely! The NETS team prefers parents to be present while their child is assessed and stabilised.  

Although parents are sometimes asked to stand back a little until certain procedures are completed, the NETS team will explain what they are doing as soon as possible and answer any questions you may have.   

If you have just given birth, the NETS team will endeavour to bring your baby to your bedside in the mobile transport equipment so you can see your baby before they are transferred.  

For older children on stretchers, parents can stand or sit by their bed. 

The NETS team will be with your child throughout the transfer. Staff such as flight nurses, ambulance officers and pilots will assist the NETS team.  

They will monitor your child continuously throughout the trip adjusting the treatment if necessary.  

NETS encourages at least one parent to travel with a child during transfer (if you choose to). This might not always be possible.  For example, sometimes there is not enough space in the vehicle because there is an extra team member or because of aircraft weight restrictions.  

In most cases, the transfer vehicle can only accommodate one parent.  

If you would like to accompany your child, please ask the staff at your hospital to notify the NETS Coordination Centre as soon as possible.   

At present there is no direct charge to patients in NSW or the ACT for the specialised care and transportation services provided by NETS.  

If there are any charges for pathology or other services, these are usually covered by Medicare or your private health insurance company.  

Costs are incurred for transportation for some NETS journeys which begin or end outside of NSW or the ACT.  

Questions about these charges can be answered by talking with the Duty Consultant at the NETS Coordination Centre. If you are insured for the use of ambulance services, any costs that may be incurred for ambulance transport will be fully covered by your insurance.  

The NETS team will give you information about the hospital your child is going to and how to travel there. If your child has been picked up from a hospital, the staff will provide the details about where your child is being transferred to.  

If you travel separately to your child, make sure you know the name of the destination hospital and ward. Provide NETS with your phone number so you can be contacted in an emergency or if a change of destination becomes necessary.

If you have any problems, call NETS on (02) 9633 8700.  

Country parents may be eligible for the Isolated Patients' Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS). The program provides financial help to people in rural areas who need to travel more than 200km from their home for specialist medical treatment or services.  

Ask the hospital for more information.  

On arrival, the team will provide and confirm with the hospital staff information on your child's condition and ensure they are safely transferred to the hospital’s care before they leave.  

The NETS team will also introduce you to the staff who will be caring for your child.