The following describes Hurley Medical Center’s organ transplant program. For specific information regarding your child's health and treatment options, please contact your child's Hurley physician or medical professional.

The outstanding Organ Transplant Program at Hurley Medical Center

If your child is in need of a kidney or pancreas transplant, he/she is assured of the highest quality clinical care close to home from Hurley Medical Center’s highly-trained staff, coupled with surgery at one of the most experienced transplant teams in the State of Michigan and the United States: Henry Ford Transplant Institute.

Hurley Medical Center in Partnership with Henry Ford Transplant Institute

The Transplant Program at Hurley Medical Center has formed an outstanding partnership with Henry Ford Transplant Institute. Performing transplants since 1968, the Henry Ford Transplant Institute has built one of the nation’s most successful programs, performing more than 100 kidney transplants each year. One of only two multiple organ transplant centers in Michigan, the Institute also transplants kidneys, bone marrow and all other main organs.

The highest level of patient care before, during, and after surgery

The Transplant Program at Hurley Medical Center cares for your child every step of the way, from pre-operative evaluation and education to post-operative care. All pre-transplant testing and evaluation take place in Hurley’s Organ Transplant Clinic, then surgery is performed at the Henry Ford Transplant Instituteat Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. All post-operative care and follow-up procedures take place at Hurley Medical Center.

What is a pre-operative evaluation?

During your child's pre-surgical evaluation, medical tests are conducted to measure kidney and other major organ functions and to rule out any existing medical conditions that could hinder a successful surgery and recovery. Your child's Hurley Medical Center kidney doctor (nephrologist) and transplant surgeon review your child's existing medical history and the results of these tests. If any additional tests are required, your Hurley transplant coordinator will help you schedule them.

What is a transplant coordinator?

A Hurley Medical Center transplant coordinator will guide you and your child through the entire transplant process. She will provide you and your child with educational materials and be an important source of support for you, your child, and your entire family during this highly emotional time.

When is my child put on a wait list?

Once your child is determined to be a candidate for transplant and has completed the evaluation process, your child is placed on a wait list. While on the wait list, yearly evaluations with your child's Hurley Medical Center nephrologist will take place at Hurley’s Transplant Clinic. The length of time before transplantation depends on several factors. The average wait time for an organ in Michigan is 5 to 6 years. When a donor organ becomes available, your Hurley transplant coordinator will notify you and your child.

It is important to remain in constant contact with your Hurley Medical Centertransplant nurse coordinator once your child's name is placed on the wait list, and to keep her updated of any changes to your child's contact information.

How long will my child stay in the hospital?

On average, transplant patients stay in the hospital from 3 to 7 days. During that time, your child will begin a rehabilitation program which involves education about medication, nutrition, and disease management, as well as exercise and strength training.

Where will my family stay while my child is having transplant surgery?

Henry Ford Hospital offers convenient accommodations for families of patients on its hospital campus so you and your family can remain close to your child. Units are designed to provide all the comforts and conveniences of a deluxe hotel room including a fully furnished kitchen, living room, bedrooms and a bath. You may also make arrangements to stay at one of the several local hotels with which Henry Ford has negotiated a reduced rate. For more information on Henry Ford Hospital’s Guest Services, click here.

What is post-operative care?

Your child will continue to see your Hurley Medical Center nephrologist at Hurley's Transplant Clinic following surgery at Henry Ford Transplant Institute. The recovery process takes about 6 weeks to 3 months, after which many patients find they can return to their everyday activities.

To read Shelley's Story - how an anonymous donor gave Shelley a kidney, pancreas, and a whole new life - click here.

Contact Information:

Organ Transplant Program
Hurley Medical Center
West Tower, Suite 5B
One Hurley Plaza
Flint, MI
(810) 262-9858

Share the gift of life by becoming an organ donor. Please join the Gift of Life Michigan Donor Registry today.Visit: http://www.giftoflifemichigan.org