PIKEVILLE, Ky. (April 16, 2012) — Pikeville Medical Center has entered into its fourth affiliation agreement, this time with Jewish Hospital in Louisville for transplant care.
The Transplant Center, a joint program with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, is nationally recognized and was responsible for the first minimally invasive kidney donation in Kentucky. The center also is a member of numerous national transplant networks.
Pikeville Medical Center’s Dr. Donna Sanders is a nephrologist, or kidney doctor. Kidney disease is very prevalent in the region, she said.
“When I came back home to practice here at Pikeville Medical Center, I was surprised to find such a high number of patients with kidney disease,” Sanders said. “When the disease progresses to such a point that a transplant is indicated, we are fully prepared to provide all the pre-operative and post-operative care. It’s wonderful that we now have Jewish Hospital, with its prestigious reputation, available to do the actual transplantation.”
Patients who need kidney transplants will find the process is much more convenient, she said. All the preliminary medical work will be done at Pikeville Medical Center, the transplant surgery will be performed in Louisville, and then all follow-up medical care will be available at Pikeville Medical Center.
The hospital’s first affiliation was with Cleveland Clinic’s Heart Surgery Program in 2011.
The affiliations are a result of Pikeville Medical Center’s growth and success, said Walter E. May, president and CEO.
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