Ward Slang Beginner Ward Slang

Turf

Formal Definition

To transfer a patient's care to another service or specialty.

How It's Used on the Ward

"Let's turf this to surgery" means transferring the patient to the surgical service.

Example

"Senior: "This patient has a surgical abdomen. Let's turf them to gen surg." Translation: Call the surgical consult and transfer care."

Clinical Context

Can have a slightly negative connotation - implies wanting to get rid of a patient. The receiving team might say they're getting "turfed to."

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