This is an overview of investigations and meetings. The times and days for your particular visit may vary.
Monday
From 11am:
- you will be admitted onto ward 29
- you’ll have bloods taken by the Transplant Team Assistant
- you’ll meet the Transplant Co-ordinator
- you’ll have some medical tests, including arterial blood gas, a chest x-ray, and an ECG.
Tuesday
Morning (usually from 9:30am, please stay by your bed):
- you and your carer will meet with the Transplant Co-ordinator for a education and question and answer session based on what you have learnt from this resource – provides a face to face opportunity for any questions that you have
- even though you won’t know at this point whether you’re going to be accepted onto the transplant waiting list, we’ll still go through all the education with you and your carer – this education is essential in helping you understand the transplant process.
Afternoon (usually from 2pm):
- you’ll do some more medical tests, including a 6 Minute Walk Test with the Physiotherapist, and an abdominal ultrasound
- you and your carer will meet with the social worker
- you’ll have some more tests, including lung function and cardiac echo.
Late afternoon (usually from 4pm):
- you are usually free from approximately 4pm on Tuesday for discharge home
- patients waiting for an air ambulance will have the discharge time confirmed on the day of travel.
Thursday
At 11:30am, the Transplant Team will meet to discuss your case. They’ll look at your medical records and talk about the results of the tests you’ve had during the assessment week. They’ll make a decision about whether a transplant is the right outcome for you at this time.
The Consultant and Transplant Co-ordinators will then speak with you about the decision and talk about next steps.
Leaving the hospital grounds
During your stay, you’re free to leave the grounds each evening after 18.00. If you want to, you can explore Newcastle or go out for a meal.
There are local taxi services available. The number 38 bus leaves the front of the hospital every 15 minutes and will take you straight into the city centre.
If you do not want to leave the hospital grounds, you and your carer can enjoy a meal in one of our cafes or our restaurant.