Livingston, N.J. -- More than 17,000 people in this country received kidney and/or pancreas transplants last year. The first step in receiving an organ transplant is learning as much as possible about the entire transplantation process. You can improve your chances of receiving a transplant by taking an active role in each part of the process.
Chronic kidney disease is a life-altering event. The Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division of Barnabas Health, located at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, is committed to helping patients understand their medical condition and their treatment options. Together, the centers form the second largest kidney transplant program among 240 in the United States.
Each facility hosts weekly educational programs, support groups and individual counseling sessions throughout the year to keep patients informed and active regarding all their health care decisions.
“The more patients understand about transplantation, the more control they have over their own health," states Shamkant Mulgaonkar, M.D., Chief of The Saint Barnabas Health Care System Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division.
Providing a full picture of the benefits and responsibilities associated with transplant is a priority at the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division. Patients and families are invited to attend one of the educational programs where they meet members of the transplant team, hear about the transplant process from individuals who have already been through it, and begin the evaluation process.
Participants learn about all aspects of transplant and living organ donation. These small and informal sessions allow plenty of opportunity for questions. During this evaluation process, patients with a history of diabetes are given information about pancreas transplantation. A separate evaluation meeting is then set up for interested patients who fulfill the criteria specific to this type of transplantation.
The first step in getting an organ transplant is contacting the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division and scheduling a visit to one of our introductory educational sessions. Call Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at 1.877.878.7555 or Saint Barnabas Medical Center at 1.888.409.4707 or visit www.barnabashealth.org (select Transplant Centers).
The world-class Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division of Barnabas Health is one of the world's most progressive transplant programs. Integrated programs at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston form the second largest kidney transplant program among 240 in the United States. In 2009, the Division achieved record-breaking volumes – performing 290 transplants, which included 140 living donor transplants. Living donation options include Living-Related and Emotionally-Related Donor Transplantation, Living Donor Kidney Exchange Program, Program for Incompatible Transplants and Altruistic Donation.
Date: July 1, 2010
Contact: Samantha Anton
Phone: 973-322-5425
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