Lung Transplant outcomes differences between Transplant Centers

[Queenbean]

Hello

I would like to ask if when being referred for transplant did the respiratory consultant offer a choice in the transplant center. The reason I ask is there appear to be large differences in transplant outcomes particularly 5 and 10 year survival rates between centers. I was researching on the NHS blood and transplant website:

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I live nearest to QE but if outcomes are reviewed then Manchester or Heartfield would be a better choice. Obviously, every case is different but you want to take the best possible opportunity you can ... Just wondered if anyone was given a choice of center ?

[timCHP]

Hi there

I wasn’t given a choice - I was referred to Harefield. But my consultants were at the Brompton and they are linked to Harefield so I assume they refer all transplants there. Also Harefield is closest to me so it made sense.

The only real answer would be from your consultant - they might be happy to give you a choice, particularly if you bring it up early in the process.

One thought on statistics. Sometimes, hospitals have high mortality rates because they have generous and progressive staff who operate on patients other centres would consider marginal. So someone Papworth might have rejected as too unwell might have been given a chance by Birmingham. If you operate on more “marginal” patients it brings down your survival rates as they are more likely to die. I don’t know if this is the case, maybe not, but statistics can be misleading.

Good luck

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to timCHP]

Well said timCHP!

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi, yes I was given the choice, I chose Newcastle.

😊 Bernadette xx

[Ian1369]

I was automatically referred to THE FREEMAN Hospital at NEWCASTLE by my consultant. I live in the north east of Scotland and its the closest centre to my home but which is still over 6 hours away by car.

[Helen6]

I was referred to the Freeman in Newcastle but my nearest hospital is Birmingham. My consultant prefers Newcastle because they have good outcomes. The downside is that it is a 6 hour round journey for me.

[Queenbean]

Birmingham is nearest to us too we ended up choosing papworth