Consult - Dr Tracey Ying with Denise Comerford
For renal patients and their support team, making the long trip to Sydney for transplant assessment suitability can be a huge challenge. Thankfully, the specialist transplant clinicians come to them!
Twice a year, the team from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) travel to Lismore Base Hospital to review patients hoping to be included on the NSW deceased donor kidney transplant waitlist or be accepted for a live transplant.
The collaboration was born during the COVID-19 pandemic and is going from strength to strength.
Renal Transplant Coordinator for Richmond/Clarence, Jo Hancock plays a central role in coordinating the clinic and supporting local patients through the process.
“Pre-COVID, the majority of our patients chose to be assessed through Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane because that was more accessible for them,” Jo said.
“However, when the borders were closed, I reached out to the RPA team, and they did not hesitate to take our patients on.
“They supported us through that stressful transition time, and we are so thankful for their support, and for making this process so much easier for our patients.”
Denise Comerford, Grafton resident, attended the Lismore clinic in April, along with her support team of her sister, sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
Denise has been receiving dialysis for several years, and having the assessment in Lismore meant she could still have her regular renal dialysis back in Grafton later that same day.
“It’s much easier. Otherwise, I would have had to travel to Sydney,” Denise said.
Dr Tracey Ying, RPA Transplant Nephrologist, said with around 25 percent of their transplant patients being from a rural or regional area, the team is keen to help improve the access and experience for patients who go on to receive a kidney transplant at RPA.
“The patients really appreciate it,” Dr Ying said.
“It’s a connection for when they come to Sydney later, and they know us, they have a familiar face to meet them. It consolidates their confidence in the whole process and builds trust. It’s a real privilege for us, coming to Lismore every time.”
Dr Sanjeev Baweja, Jo Hancock, Dr Tracey Ying, Jane Waters, Dr Josephine Xu