100 Young Lives Changed Forever

CELEBRATING 100^th KIDNEY TRANSPLANT AT THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AT WESTMEAD

When staff and former patients gather today to commemorate the 100^th kidney transplant performed at The Children's Hospital at Westmead it will be a celebration of life, of young lives saved and countless families' futures changed forever.

The Children's Hospital at Westmead celebrates its 100^th kidney transplant on the eve of World Kidney Day, which falls on 11 March 2010. As a major Australian centre for paediatric kidney transplantation, the Hospital works closely with Westmead Hospital and the National Transplant Team,  Paediatric Liver Transplantation Unit, and the Red Cross.

Dr Stephen Alexander, Head of Nephrology at The Children's Hospital at Westmead said the occasion was hugely significant for both staff and patients.

"We have been performing kidney transplants at The Children's Hospital ay Westmead since 1995 and in that time we've seen dramatic improvements in survival rates and post-operative care.

"Organs transplants have only been performed on small children within the last 30 years. In the early days success was limited, but today young transplant recipients do as well, if not better, than adults.

This is due to a number of factors, including improved surgery, aftercare and intensive care and the increased effectiveness of immunosuppressive medication."

"To reach the milestone of 100 transplants is a credit to the transplant team and the entire Hospital."

Dr Alexander said the highlight of today's celebration is the chance to see so many young patients that have gone on to lead healthy, active lives.

"It's so exciting to see these children going on to lead full and normal lives, free from the constraints of dialysis. We've had patients resume the ability to play sport, attend school and university and even have children of their own - which is enormously satisfying for our team."

Of the 100 kidney transplants performed at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, 65% have come living donors, such as family members.  However a large number of children on the transplant waiting list do not have access to a suitable living donor - so the emphasis on organ donation is more important than ever.

"In NSW we currently have 22 children on the waiting list for kidney and liver transplants. So the key message of today's celebration is the value of organ donation and the need for greater community awareness," said Dr Alexander.

"Whilst we celebrate the healthy lives of the 100 transplant recipients, it is also important to acknowledge the families of those deceased who gave others the gift of life through their decision to be organ donors."

To find out more about registering to be an organ donor visit: http://www.donatelife.gov.au/ or call the Australian Organ Donation Registry on 1800 777 203

Media Opportunity: Celebration of 100^th Kidney Transplant at The Children's Hospital at Westmead

10.30 - 11.30 am, Wednesday March 10, 2010

Lvl 2 (Ground Floor), James Packer Research Building, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Dr Stephen Alexander, Head of Nephrology, Dr Albert Shun, surgeon and transplant recipients and their families will be available for interviews and photographs.

This includes the 100^th kidney transplant recipient, 2 year old Marcus Browne from Currans Hill and his family. Marcus was born with Renal Dysplasia and has been treated at The Children's Hospital since birth. He recently underwent a successful kidney transplant and continues to recover well.