Heart and Lung Transplants

The Mater Hospital is home to Ireland's National Heart and Lung Transplantation Unit

 

Heart & Lung

The Mater Hospital is the only hospital in the Republic of Ireland that performs heart and lung transplantation

Saving and changing lives

The Heart and Lung Transplantation Unit undertakes surgery for people whose heart or lungs are failing and whose quality of life have been seriously affected by their condition. As the national centre for heart and lung transplants, the Mater sees patients from all over Ireland.

rehabilitation

The staff assess patients for the suitability for transplantation and are involved in finding suitable organs for transplant. The team is made up of surgeons and cardiologists, as well as physiotherapists, nurses and social workers, highlighting that care doesn’t just end after surgery, but continues for a long time in recuperation.

Transplants

There is a very real need to keep the unit at the forefront of medical developments that always better care for patients.

  • In 2015, 16 heart and 35 lung transplants took place at the Mater Hospital.
  • In 2016, there were 15 heart and 35 lung transplants.
  • In 2017, there were 14 heart transplants and 34 lung transplants.
  • In 2018, there were 18 heart transplants and 28 lung transplants.

REPRO FREE Cork city soccer player Brian Lenihan, Lt Gary Jordan (Sarah's brother), Sarah Jordan, Cork Heart Recipient and her mother Mary Jordan pictured on the deck of the Irish Naval vessel the LE Aoife at Have a Heart Fundraiser 2013 - In Aid of the Mater Heart & Lung Appeal, Mater Hospital following Sarah's successful Heart Transplant. The event will take place at the Irish Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cork on Saturday March 2, 2013. Further details on www.facebook.com/materfoundation. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision Contact: Arlene Hogan Communications & Fundraising Assistant The Mater Foundation 53-54 Eccles Street Dublin 7 Direct Line: 01 854 5289 Main Line: 01 830 3482

How Mater Hospital Foundation supporters are helping

The Mater Hospital Foundation – through the generosity of our supporters – helps support the Heart and Lung Transplantation Programme and the National Centre for Cardiothoracic Surgery.

This includes investing in specialist pieces of equipment for the unit, helping access to essential training and education, and improving patient supports throughout their time in the hospital. Some examples are:

  • 8 exercise bikes that aid a speedy recovery after transplant
  • A special seating system in the unit that helps a patient exercise by providing a place to rest on the corridors
  • Phlebotomy chairs which make sure patients are comfortable when their bloods are being taken
  • Staff training and education courses including an enhanced recovery programme that helps ensure patients are on the fastest road to recovery
  • Assessment scales and equipment that allow staff to determine whether a patient is suitable for transplant

What you can do to help make a difference

The Heart and Lung Transplantation Unit wants to provide world-class care. This means a comfortable environment for those that need it during difficult times.

Why not take a look at some Ways to Support the unit continue its remarkable care for pre- and post-transplant patients?

You can also Donate directly to the unit through our website.

Patient Stories

We are privileged to meet some remarkable and inspiring patients that have spent time getting better in the Mater Hospital, and on many occasions, the treatment they received has saved their lives. Please take a moment to read their stories.

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