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VCH Performs Record Number of Organ Transplants

Oct. 31, 2007

VANCOUVER – Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) recorded a provincial – and perhaps Canadian – first by performing a record number of life-saving organ transplants in a 24-hour period. From Oct. 23-24, 2007, Vancouver General Hospital surgical teams carried out 10 major organ transplants.


“This one-day life-saving miracle showcases the world-class skill and expertise that exists at Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul’s, as well as the complexity of cases performed,” said Health Minister George Abbott. “I commend surgical staff and physicians from all disciplines for their outstanding work and ongoing commitment to patient care.”


The typical procedure rate is nine to 12 transplants per month, not 10 in one day. Additional staffing, rearranging of operating room space and additional resources in the hospitals were all accomplished on short notice while staff still carried out three cardiac procedures and urgent and emergent scheduled patient procedures.

“The record number of organ transplants reflects the effort and expertise of all of the staff and surgical teams involved in carrying out these transplants while maintaining care for the rest of our patients,” said Vancouver Acute COO Anne Sutherland Boal. “We believe the 10 organ transplants in 24 hours is a record, not only for Vancouver Coastal Health but also British Columbia.”

While the identity of the donors is never shared, the procedures performed include: five renal transplants, three liver transplants and two double lung transplants.

“Organ donation is literally giving the gift of life but depends entirely upon the generosity of donors and their families,” added Abbott. “The generosity of families and individuals has made it possible for others to live and is a timely reminder about the need for British Columbians to register as an organ donor.”

In 2006/07, Vancouver Coastal Health performed 151 transplants, the majority being renal and liver transplants, followed by lung and pancreas islet transplants.


Earlier this month, the BC Transplant Society announced a significant milestone when it reached the 1,000th living donor transplant in British Columbia.

To register as an organ donor or for more information, please visit www.transplant.bc.ca. Organ donor registration forms are also available from any London Drugs, ICBC Driver Services Centre, or by calling the B.C. Transplant Society at 1-800-663-6189.
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Authorized By Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party.
Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257