SJC and Emory offer new kidney/pancreas transplant clinic

Paul P. Hinchey
President & CEO
St. Joseph’s/Candler

Betsy Yates
Public Relations Manager
St. Joseph’s/Candler
(912) 819-8139
yatesb@sjchs.org

November 14, 2006

The new St. Joseph’s/Candler-Emory Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Program offers kidney and pancreas transplant patients in Savannah and the surrounding area the opportunity to receive their outpatient care on site at Candler Hospital in Savannah.

“The clinic gives kidney-pancreas patients from Savannah and surrounding areas the chance to receive pre- and post-operative care right here at home,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler.

“Providing a clinic in the Candler location removes the distance barrier to the Atlanta transplant center and will improve patient access to transplant care,” Hinchey said.

Will D."Billy" Herrin, a local Savannah developer, was one of the first patients to benefit from the clinic’s new offerings. After receiving a kidney transplant from his sister, he needed to see a physician for medication monitoring.

Herrin said the benefit of not having to travel outside the region for pre- and post-operative appointments means a savings of around $500 per trip and saved time.

“It was a relief not having to go. I would go on Sunday afternoon, stay Sunday night for an appointment first thing Monday, then leave by 10:30 and be back before dark,” Herrin said.

Bi-monthly transplant clinic visitation dates for 2006-2007 have been established. Physicians can schedule patients for the clinic by calling (404) 727-8938 or toll-free at 1-888-247-9052. Patients will receive a letter from St. Joseph’s/Candler approximately two weeks prior to the clinic date that includes appointment date and time, required labs, a medication worksheet, and directions to the clinic, which is located on the Candler Hospital campus.

For more information on how to participate in the clinic, please call Karen Traver, R.N., Transplant Coordinator, at (912) 819-8350.

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St. Joseph’s/Candler of Savannah, Georgia (www.sjchs.org) is a national Magnet-designated facility for nursing excellence, with a focus on the latest technologies and research. Its comprehensive network includes centers of excellence for oncology, cardiovascular, neurosciences, women’s and children’s services, orthopedics and a variety of other disease specialties. Comprised of two of the oldest continuously operating hospitals in the United States, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital, this not for profit health system is the largest in Southeast Georgia and the region’s only faith based institution. It has been recognized as a JCAHO certified Stroke Center and is the only network accredited facility in the region.