Organ Transplant Setback At El Paso Hospital
EL PASO, TX. – Disturbing news for those whose quality of life hinges on a crucial operation.
Dozens of local kidney disease patients have found out they’ll have to wait longer for a transplant. After 20-years inEl Paso, those transplants through Sierra Medical Center are now on hold.
84 patients are affected, as ofSunday morning. Hospital officials say the surgeon, Dr. Hector Diaz-Luna is no longer available. Sergio Enriquez, the spokesman for Sierra Medical Center says they are “working with the United Network for Organ Sharing to properly transition the patients’ care to other participating hospitals in the region.” That includes hospitals in San Antonio, Temple and Houston.
Michael Herrerawasscheduled to donate a kidney to his mother on Wednesday, September 5 of this year, but according to Michelle Gascon, the Transplant Coordinator for Sierra, Dr. Diaz-Luna quit his position with them. A fund has been set up to help those patients who may be traveling to hospitals such as the University Medical Center in Tucson or the University of Lubbock Hospital.
The “JustA Dollar” (yes, JustA)fund has been established at First National Bank, 915/845-5302. People wishing to donate to fund can even send an e-check or perform an electronic transfer from their own bank accounts online. The information you will need is:
Routing Number: 112319524 Account Number: 500003573 Account Name (for personal record-keeping): Justa Dollar fund
Volunteers working with the affected patients ensure that 100% of all monies collected are to be used for the transport of patients to surrounding medical centers and no salaries are to be paid from this fund.
Hospitals and organizations available to help continue treatment for patients include:
United Network for Organ Sharing: 1-888-894-6361 University Medical Center in Tucson: 520-694-6000 Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale: 480-515-6296 Good Samaritan: 602-239-2000 University of Lubbock Hospital: 866-364-0710
