The information in this section refers to the Portland 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 working with you on your liver transplant. This team includes:

• Transplant Patient and His/Her Support Person (family/friends)
• Surgeon
• Hepatologist
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pre- and Post- Coordinator
• Social Worker
• Psychiatrist
• Pharmacist
• Dietitian
• Chaplain
• Facilitator

Evaluation

Once you have been approved for evaluation at the VA Portland Health Care System by the VA National Transplant Program, you will be contacted by the nurse coordinator in Portland to schedule your evaluation. Your evaluation can usually be scheduled within two months. You should plan your stay for approximately one week, although in some cases you may need to stay longer for additional testing.

When your evaluation has been scheduled, you will receive a packet in the mail listing your appointments for the week. It will also include basic information about the program and the lodging unit. You may receive additional materials from other departments at the medical center, but all scheduling will be coordinated through the transplant office. Please call the office or your coordinator if you have any questions regarding the schedule.

Your referring medical center will arrange necessary transportation for you and your support person. Our social worker will call you one to two weeks before your evaluation to give you information about lodging, provide instructions for your first day of appointments in Portland, and answer any questions you may have.

Lodging Information

The VA Portland Health Care System, Transplant Program has provided free lodging on the Vancouver campus for patients and their support person since the first evaluation in 1988. After a short hiatus, a newly remodeled facility, Building 18, was reopened in December 2018. The facility includes 30 double occupancy lodging rooms. Each room includes a television, refrigerator, telephone and private bathroom. Three separate communal areas are defined by large kitchens with adjacent living rooms warmed by gas fireplaces, and opening onto outside patios with gas barbecues. Lodgers also have on-site access to three laundry and computer rooms, as well as a central exercise room. While there is some donated food from Veteran Service Organizations, it is recommended that you bring money for your meals.

Local Information

Winter in Portland and the surrounding area typically lasts from November through March and often includes cloudy skies and rain with high temperatures in the 40s and 50s, and low temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Heavier, warmer, and water-resistant clothing is suggested. Summers in the region, June through September, are often sunnier and offer high temperatures in the 70s and 80s and low temperatures in the 50s. Spring and Fall are transitional. A lighter jacket is recommended for some individuals during these transitional seasons.

All major banks are located in the general Portland area. All types of payment are accepted for most transactions in the area. ATM machines are located by the Canteen Service area in the VA facility and payment for any bills received can be completed by check.

Support Groups

Support groups can be a great way for you to find support outside of your circle of family and friends. Portland offers two different support groups. Please ask your coordinator for information on how to join one, or both, of these support groups.

• The Hepatitis C Support Group for patients and family members meets every 3rd Wednesday from 10:30 am until noon at the hospital.
• A support group for transplant candidates, recipients and family members meets every Wednesday at 7:30 pm in the Transplant Lodging Unit in Vancouver, WA.

Note: These times may be subject to change. Please verify the meeting times with your coordinator.

Contact Information

Liver Transplant Office (P3-TRANS)
VA Portland Health Care System, 7th floor, Room 7C-106
3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road
Portland, OR 97239
Phone: 503.721.7860
FAX: 503.273.5072

VA Portland Health Care System
3710 SW US Veterans Rd
Portland, OR 97239
Phone: 503.220.8262 or 800.949.1004