“We offered each of the more than 360 waitlist patients in the kidney/pancreas transplant program the opportunity to transfer, and all but 60 chose to remain with Memorial Hermann,” said George Kovacik, director of public relations for Memorial Hermann.
According to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, a national database of transplant patients, Memorial Hermann was one of five hospitals in the Houston region which provided liver transplants and one of only 16 statewide. The SRTR showed the majority of liver transplant patients went to Houston Methodist.
“Houston Methodist has 1,244 kidney transplant patients and 377 liver transplant patients on our lists now, and we are committed to providing a smooth transition for additional patients,” said Wes Hamilton, senior communications specialist for Houston Methodist. “We have 23 liver and more than 300 kidney transplant referrals right now."In their words
“Our investigation is ongoing, and we continue to cooperate with all regulatory authorities. Our primary priority is ensuring continuity of compassionate care for patients who were on the transplant program lists at the hospital.” -George Kovacik, Memorial Hermann director of external communications.
“Houston Methodist has one of the largest transplant programs in the country and has the capacity to accommodate additional patients needing liver and kidney transplants. We are committed to help in any way we can to be sure those listed for transplant get the proper care and support they need at this time.” -Wes Hamilton, Houston Methodist spokesperson
How we got here
Families of three deceased patients—Richard Mostacci, Daniel Rodriquez-Alvarez and Robert Osuna—filed lawsuits on May 20 against Dr. Steve Bynon, head of the liver transplant program for Memorial Hermann. The lawsuit claims lengthy wait times for liver transplants led to the deaths of several individuals.
“There is significant concern that the defendant was improperly excluding patients, including Mr. Mostacci, Mr. Rodriguez-Alvarez and Mr. Osuna, from receiving a liver transplant and depriving them of lifesaving care,” the lawsuit filing said.
What's next
Kovacik said there is currently no timeline on when the liver transplant program might be reactivated at Memorial Hermann, but all efforts are being focused on restarting the kidney and pancreas transplant program first.
“We are actively 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/pancreas transplant program under a different physician leadership structure,” Kovacik said.
A number of additional malpractice lawsuits have been filed against Memorial Hermann following the transplant freeze, but all cases are still in the early phases and center around the physician who oversaw the program. Kovacik said Memorial Hermann is still communicating with new and existing patients regarding available resources.
Editor's note: Story updates to include full title for Memorial Hermann spokesperson.
