The teaching hospital told the publication it is working with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to “make the necessary changes that will allow for the quick reactivation of the kidney transplant program under a different physician leadership structure.”
Houston-based Memorial Hermann voluntarily paused liver transplants April 4 and kidney transplants April 9, at the time attributing the actions to a pattern of irregularities with donor acceptance criteria from the database used by United Network for Organ Sharing.
On April 11, the hospital told The New York Times that a physician in its abdominal transplant program admitted to manipulating patient records, potentially preventing some individuals from receiving lifesaving transplants.
Memorial Hermann did not specify when the kidney transplant program may be reactivated or share an update about its liver transplant program, which was also paused as it was led by the same physician.
The hospital is working with affected families, patients and caregivers who are affected by the program closures. Transplant care coordinations are contacting patients to review ongoing care options, including a potential transition to another transplant program, the hospital told the Houston Chronicle on April 12.
Editor’s note: Becker’s reached out to Memorial Hermann for comment and will update this article if more information becomes available.
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
