ETMC to Suspend Kidney Transplant Program

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center Tyler will suspend its kidney transplant services within the next six months. According to a news release, that announcement comes as increasing regulations make it difficult for smaller transplantation programs to remain viable. Transplantation programs across the state and nation have closed in recent years. Hospital officials say the goal is “to ensure a safe and seamless transition for patients and those awaiting transplants as they move to other programs.” The program has been in place at ETMC for more than three decades. ETMC is in the process of transitioning to a new medical system affiliated with the UT Health System this spring. Hospital officials say this affiliation could allow a new East Texas kidney transplantation program to be created in partnership with the UT Health System.