The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented global disruption, affecting every aspect of life including education. For medical schools and health sciences institutions, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic have resulted in the cessation of onsite classes, suspension of clinical attachments and restructuring of the students’ examination. Students of medicine and health sciences have always been considered an available resource in terms of volunteerism during a health crisis. Students at Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah (PAPRSB) Institute of Health Sciences have been volunteering in both non-direct patient contact and direct patient contact activities. During the pandemic, most of these students’ conventional university study and learning have been put on hold as a result of the restrictions. The need to continue learning is important, the students can therefore use the volunteerism during the pandemic as a learning opportunity looking to maintain and broaden their skills. It is however imperative that appropriate and adequate support, advice and training are provided to these students, not allowing them to undertake any activity beyond their level of competence, and with continuous supervision and adequate protection with personal protection equipment throughout their volunteerism during the pandemic.

Introduction: Inter-hospital emergency obstetric transfers should be carried out effectively and efficiently to avoid any complications to either mother or pregnancy. To date, no relevant data are available in Brunei Darussalam. This study prospectively assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the inter-hospital transfer process to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital. Materials and Methods: Obstetric patients (n = 92) who were transferred from other hospitals to RIPAS Hospital over a six month period (1st September 2009 to 28th February 2010) were studied. Results: The prevalence of emergency obstetric transfers was 3.65% of total obstetric admissions to the labour ward and this consisted of 60 antenatal, 30 intrapartum, and two postpartum cases. The most common reason for transfer was gestational hypertension followed by labour pain. Multiple reasons led to 25% of referrals. Sixteen patients (17%) arrived without any accompanying medical personnel and 10 patients (11%) used their own transport. Duration from referral to arrival ranged from 25 minutes to 72 hours. Twenty-one patients (23%) and 18 (19%) arrived without any investigation or medications and without referral letters respectively. The mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. Two cases with singleton pregnancy were referred for intrauterine foetal deaths. Another 59 were born alive. There were no early neonatal deaths. Conclusions Our study revealed deficiencies in the transfer procedures that can be improved. Fortunately, there were no adverse outcomes during the study period. Further improvements need to be implemented to ensure effective and efficient transfers of emergency cases.