A New Chapter in Liver Transplantation at St. Vincent’s University Hospital Begins

The National Liver Transplant Programme, for the whole country, is based St Vincent’s University Hospital. The team here has been providing life-changing liver transplantation since 1993. Today, thanks to our supporters, they are using new, innovative technology as St. Vincent’s Healthcare Foundation has funded their first Perfusion Machine and specialist training for the team using it.
What is machine perfusion? It’s an advanced technique that allows a donated organ to be preserved and assessed outside the body before transplantation. So, it gives the medical team flexibility to optimise donated organs before transplantation surgery. For patients on the transplant waiting list, this technology represents the potential to increase access to suitable donor organs and improve transplantation outcomes.
The introduction of machine perfusion is not simply about bringing a new piece of technology into the hospital, but it marks an important milestone for liver transplantation at St Vincent’s University Hospital and reflects the commitment to embracing innovation that can give donated organs the best possible chance of helping those who need them.
The team knows that investment in perfusion machinery and training will help advance liver transplantation into the future. At the heart of this work, however, are the generous donors and their families who make transplantation possible. Their decision to donate gives hope to patients and families at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Every transplant begins with that extraordinary act of generosity.
“The National Liver Transplant Team extends sincere thanks to supporters of St Vincent’s Healthcare Foundation. Your support and generosity are helping us turn advances in technology, training, and clinical expertise into real opportunities for patients waiting for a life-changing transplant”. (Laura Armstrong, Advanced Nursing Practitioner, Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Transplant Services)

New Overnight Sleeper Chairs for C.F. Unit

We have funded the purchase of two new overnight sleeper chairs for use on St. Christopher’s Ward, where care is provided for Cystic Fibrosis and Respiratory patients.

The chairs are specially designed for comfort, whilst conforming to infection control measures, and are used by patient relatives and friends. They cleverly convert to beds for those wishing to stay with their loved one overnight or for long periods of time.

We know patients are pleased to have this support from their family and friends, especially at a time of great need.

Our picture shows some of the ward team proudly unwrapping one of the new chairs L. to R. Etain Tighe , Deepa Andrews, Xin Li Cai and Nicoleo Ardiente.

Expert Training for the Liver Transplant Team

St. Vincent’s University Hospital hosts Ireland’s National Liver Transplant Programme, and has done since 1993. Over the years more than 1,000 transplants have been performed for patients from all over the country.

New advances in transplant technology and equipment include “Perfusion Devices”, which help to preserve and repair organs donated for transplant. Our highly professional staff recently attended specialist training in liver perfusion, in the Netherlands which was funded by St. Vincent’s Healthcare Foundation. This ground-breaking technology has the potential to increase the number of transplants, reduce complications for patients and help develop more personalised treatments. We are happy to support the team in their valuable and life-saving work.

Pictures show some of the team undertaking training in Groningen, Netherlands.