The information in this section refers to the Nashville Transplant Center and is only applicable to you if this is your designated transplant site. Please remember that each transplant facility may handle transplantation differently.

Team Members

Much like at your local facility, your transplant facility will have a team of specialists and support working with you on your liver transplant. This team includes:

• Transplant Patient and His/Her Support Person (family/friends)
• Hepatologist (liver doctor)
• Transplant Surgeon
• Registered Nurses
• Social Worker
• Clerical Support Staff
• Psychologist
• Pharmacist
• Dietitian
• Chaplain

You are encouraged to ask questions; the physicians and nurses are good sources of answers to medical questions. The other team members can answer your questions within the area of their expertise. Trust and rapport provide important links between all members of the health care team. We must be able to work together to treat your disease most effectively.

The Facility

The Nashville Transplant Center is part of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. The facility is located approximately four miles from downtown Nashville, in an area that is a combination of residential and business and is easily accessible to the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Making Arrangements

The staff from the Liver Transplant program will contact you to schedule your appointment in Nashville for your Transplant Evaluation. Plan to stay in Nashville for one week, from Sunday through Friday.

Local Information

Nashville has a varied climate with distinct changes for each season. The winter months can range from 20 to 50 degrees, with a variety of precipitation. The summer months average 70 to 90 degrees and up. Spring and fall are usually very mild with a comfortable climate.

We suggest that you bring casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes for both patient and support persons. Don't forget to bring a jacket, sweater, or raincoat as the weather can change quickly. Also, it tends to be cool in the hospital waiting areas.

There are several banks in the area, however without an account they are often not willing to cash personal checks. You are encouraged to bring travelers checks or a debit card. There are two cash machines within the VA and several in Vanderbilt.

What to Expect when Listed

We advise that you have either a cell phone or alternate number for us to use to contact you. Make sure that the staff has all of your current contact information. Travel arrangements will be made with your local VA facility for you to fly by Air Ambulance to Nashville for your transplant.

It is very important that we have your correct contact numbers, as the staff will only try to reach you for one hour.

Travelling to Nashville

Normally, patients are seen in Nashville after being listed for transplant every six months to one year. These visits typically last from one to three days. When you are called for your transplant surgery, it is your responsibility to call for the Air Ambulance. (They will make arrangements for your ground travel once you are in Nashville.)

Arriving at the Vanderbilt Facility

Have your ground transport take you directly to the Emergency Room. You and your support person will be taken to a room and preparations will begin for surgery. Be prepared, as this process may take several hours.

After the surgery, you will be taken to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). After a short stay in SICU, you will be moved to your hotel.

Lodging Information

While you are in Nashville for your evaluation and transplant (if you are listed), you will be staying at a VA contracted hotel.

When you are discharged from the hospital, you return to your hotel where you will stay as the team follows you for approximately one month. During that time, you will have labs drawn and have a visit with your surgeon as well as other members of the team.

Contact Information

TVHS Transplant Center (11T)
1310 24th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212-2637
Phone: 615.873.7438
Toll-Free: 1.800.228.4973
Fax: 615.873.6374