Austin Tower, where your family can visit you. Many people do not remember their stay in ICU because of the strong medications they are on. People often recall it as a busy, noisy and bright environment.

Transplant patients usually stay in ICU for 2 to 3 days, however this can be longer depending on your individual needs. You will then be transferred to Ward 8 West where you will be able to receive visitors and recover in your single room. The average length of stay on the ward is 10 days.

Some patients may need more time to build up their strength and will be transferred to rehabilitationfor some intense physical therapy.

Once discharged from hospital, you will be required to attend outpatient clinic appointments twice per week which are held on Monday and Thursday mornings in Clinic 5. It is the patient's and carer's responsibility to ensure the patient has transport to and from appointments.

Carers are encouraged to attend appointments with patients so they can help the patient keep track of any medication changes and future appointments. As your condition improves over time your appointments will decrease.

Post Transplant Education Sessions are held three times a year. It is an expectation that patients attend at least one session following their transplant to ensure they are receiving the most up to date information. The groups provide a good opportunity to meet and catch up with other transplant recipients and carers.

 

Donor Letters

 

Patients, carers and family are encouraged to write a letter to their donor family.

For the donor family, a letter can be a source of comfort in their grief It is often something tangible they they can hold on to asa reminder that something good has come out of their suffering.

According to an Australia Red Cross study, 86% of donor families surveyed wanted to hear from their donor (Barnwell A. 1994 Australian Red Cross Blood Service Donor Family Survey).

For recipients, writing a letter provides an opportunity to express positive emotions, honour the donor and express gratitude. Writing a letter can make recipients feel that they are giving something back and help the process of accepting the experience of donation and transplantation. Writing a letter can often create a sense of relief.

There is no obligation to write or receive a letter. Donor families are asked if they want to receive correspondence, and they can choose not to. Recipients are also under no obligation to write letters.

Writing and receiving letters is the personal choice of both donor families and recipients.