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We’re here, every step of the way

Guiding you through the transplant process and beyond.

This website is a resource for heart and lung transplant candidates and people in their support networks (such as carers or family members). The information here will help you prepare for the possibility of having a transplant. It covers the assessment process, the operation itself, and life after a transplant.

Patient and carer workbook

Our workbook will guide you through every stage of the transplant process. You should complete the workbook before you attend the assessment week at the Freeman Hospital.

The workbook has 3 sections, and each section is split into chapters. At the end of each chapter, we’ll ask for some feedback from you – this will help us to understand whether we’ve explained everything clearly.

Useful information

Assessment visit – sample itinerary

Carer accommodation

Video appointments

Information about COVID-19

Videos

Learn more about transplants from our team, and hear stories from patients and carers who’ve been through the process.

Patient Story: Gordon and Lynn

Gordon had a double lung transplant in 2017. His wife Lynn cared for him throughout the process. We asked them to tell us about their experience of the transplant process, from assessment to recovery.

A tour of ward 38

Alison Brookes, senior sister on Ward 38, provides a tour of the unit. All heart and lung transplant patients are brought to this area following their stay in the ICU.

Post-operative care in the ICU

Vikrant Pathania, Consultant Cardiac Anaesthetist, talks about delivering post-operative care to transplant patients in the ICU.

Machines and equipment in the ICU cubicle

Vikrant Pathania, Consultant Cardiac Anaesthetist, talks through the machines and equipment commonly found in an Intensive Care cubicle.

Professor Steve Clark talks about lung transplant surgery

Professor Steve Clark talks about the risks and benefits of having a lung transplant, and about the surgery itself.

Professor Steve Clark talks about heart transplant surgery

Professor Steve Clark talks about the risks and benefits of having a heart transplant, and about the surgery itself.

Patient Story: Calum

Calum is a 26-year-old software engineer from Dundee. He was placed on the transplant waiting list after experiencing a rapid a rapid and surprising deterioration in his lung health.

Patient Story: Lynn

Lynn had a lung transplant 10 years ago. She went through the assessment twice before being placed on the waiting list. She was on the list for two years, and had three calls during that…

Patient Story: Sheila

After a battle with breast cancer, Sheila was diagnosed with heart failure. She had her first assessment in 2018, and went through a further two before being put on the transplant waiting list in 2020….

Being taken to theatre

Dr Steve Clark explains what happens when you’re brought from the ward to begin the process of having a transplant operation. Including a tour of the transfer area, the anaesthetic room, and the operating theatre…

Newcastle Hospitals Charity — Supported by Newcastle Hospitals Charity