Transplantation

The risks of transplant surgery at this time are uncertain. These risks are likely to be higher than usual but the exact extent of the risks is not known. These risks include the possibility of contracting Covid-19 at a time of higher virus prevalence in a patient receiving strong immunosuppressive anti-rejection drugs, but also the uncertainty of future hospital capacity at a time when the pressure of patients requiring in-patient care with Covid-19 is likely to be substantial.

We have therefore decided to temporarily halt the living-donor transplant programme and suspend the majority of patients on the deceased-donor transplant list. A small number of patients with specific indications may remain active at the discretion of the transplant multidisciplinary team. These patients will be notified.

Patients with existing functioning transplants will continue to require monitoring. We are trying to reduce the number of hospital visits by undertaking the majority of clinic appointments remotely. Many of these will be via a telephone call. We are also trialling video clinic software. Some transplant patients will still need to be seen in a face-to-face clinic. These patients will be contacted by the transplant team. The general advice is to assume you should NOT attend the hospital in person for a clinic appointment but you will be contacted by the clinician either before your appointment date or on the day itself. See Outpatient Clinics. See Blood Tests.

If you think you have developed symptoms of COVID-19 such as a new, continuous cough or fever, seek clinical advice using the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111. Do this as soon as you get symptoms.

In addition, if you are on Mycophenolate or Azathioprine please stop taking these medications, but only if you develop symptoms and not otherwise. You can call the transplant nurses on 02476967745 or 02476967746 for specific advice if need be.

Otherwise please continue to take your medications as prescribed. Your transplant anti-rejection medication will continue to be prescribed in the same way. See Medications.

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