News & Events:
Important Information on the Heart Transplant Program at St. Vincent Medical Center
Effective October 4, 2006, St. Vincent Medical Center has closed its heart transplant program. This decision was made by the hospital Board of Directors and Medical Staff after careful consideration of many factors, including the increased use of devices and medical therapies to treat heart failure and a significant decrease in the number of referrals to the hospital’s heart transplant program.
At this time, there are 12 people on the program’s waiting list, only one of whom is listed as an active candidate for transplantation. The hospital is in the process of contacting all patients on the waiting list as well as patients who have already received transplants. The hospital will work with patients on the waiting list and their cardiologists to arrange transfer to another program. Post-transplant patients can continue to receive the same high-quality, compassionate care they have always received at St. Vincent Medical Center.
St. Vincent has reported the closure of the heart transplant program to the appropriate agencies, including the Centers for Medical and Medicare Services, the United Network for Organ Sharing and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
Patients with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the St. Vincent Heart Transplant Program at (213) 484-7676 or 866-215-7900.