A new organ and tissue donation and transplantation manager and a new renal clinic transplant registered nurse have been hired to help improve services for Island transplant patients, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“I’m extremely pleased we’ve added these new roles to the health system to provide better access and better care for transplant patients,” said Minister Currie. “Although each of these positions has a very different function, they are both equally important and complement each other well. The manager position has a broader scope but will work closely with the renal nurse, in addition to other areas of donation and transplantation.“
The provincial organ and tissue donation and transplantation (OTDT) manager will lead the overall coordination of organ and tissue donation in Prince Edward Island.
“The role of the OTDT manager is to develop a provincial program, which includes educating the public and working with national partners to ensure our program is well integrated with the other OTDT programs across the country,” said Health PEI’s executive director of acute care and mental health and addictions, Pam Trainor. “We also hope this position will help increase awareness of the importance of organ donation.”
The new renal clinic transplant registered nurse will have a dedicated focus to support Island patients as they prepare for a kidney transplant.
“This is an excellent supplement to our current resources in the provincial renal program,” said Arlene Gallant-Bernard, executive director, PCH and PEI renal program. “There’s a great deal of time and work involved with the transplant preparation stage, such as blood work, X-rays, and physical and psychological assessments. This added resource will ensure continuity of care and help to get patients on the transplant list sooner.”