Transforming Lives: How Riverside Health and UVA Health Are Revolutionizing Liver Transplants

Riverside Health and UVA Health are teaming up to bring liver transplant services to Eastern Virginia. This partnership aims to provide advanced medical care close to home for the Hampton Roads community. The collaboration is a step forward in ensuring that patients have access to comprehensive liver health services.

Since they began working together in 2023, Riverside and UVA have expanded their outreach in Newport News, enhancing care for patients dealing with complex liver issues. Local hepatology care will continue at Riverside Gastroenterology Specialists, a trusted name in the area.

Dr. Michael Ney, a gastroenterologist with Riverside, emphasizes the importance of this partnership. “Our experienced team at Riverside has been a reliable source for liver care,” he says. “Now, with UVA’s support, we can ensure that patients needing a transplant have streamlined access to a top-notch program.” This means patients will receive most of their care locally while also gaining quick access to UVA’s transplant services.

The collaboration also introduces a UVA Health transplant navigator. This guide will assist patients throughout their journey, from the initial evaluation to post-transplant care. Dr. Mitchell Rosner from UVA Health points out that having specialized care nearby is crucial for patients facing advanced liver disease. “Our goal is to cultivate healthier communities,” he adds, highlighting the need to minimize travel burdens for families.

Historically, patients with severe liver conditions faced extensive travel and complicated treatment plans. This new joint approach is designed to ease those challenges. “Staying close to home during such a difficult time helps patients feel less isolated,” explains Dr. Curtis Argo, a liver transplant specialist at UVA. By receiving care locally, patients can also remain near their support systems.

Additionally, Riverside and UVA offer care in other areas like lung and kidney transplants and specialized heart surgery. Both organizations are working to increase access to clinical trials and education in the community, promising more comprehensive health services in the future.

The expansion of these services is undoubtedly significant. Riverside Health, established in 1915, has a long-standing commitment to exceptional care. With over 2 million services provided annually, their collaboration with UVA Health strengthens the community’s access to lifesaving treatments.

For more about liver transplant services, visit the UVA Health Transplant Center. For hepatology care, check out Riverside Gastroenterology Specialists.

In summary, this partnership is a vital step forward for patients needing specialized liver care in Eastern Virginia. It not only retains quality, localized services but also expands access to advanced medical solutions, proving that community-focused healthcare can work in tandem with high-level academic medicine.

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