National Heart and Lung Transplant Service

The New Zealand cardiac transplant programme began in 1987. Today it performs about 20 heart transplants each year.

In 2005, the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) programme was started. It gives life-saving support for those patients who become unwell while waiting for a heart transplant.

A VAD is a mechanical pump that is surgically placed into the patient's chest. It assists a failing heart by pumping blood around the body.

The New Zealand lung transplant programme began in 1993. Today it performs about 25 lung transplants each year.

Who we are

We are an experienced team of health professionals, including nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, social workers, dietitians and health psychologists. We work together to:

• ensure the best outcomes for patients and whānau
• provide support and education throughout the transplant journey.

We are committed to delivering high-quality care and support to Māori patients and whānau. The Nurse Specialist Maori Health Heart and Lung Transplant role was introduced in 2023 to enhance care and experiences using Māori Health models, mātauranga Māori and culturally safe practices.

Hearty Towers is a motel-type facility located at the Greenlane site. It is a valuable asset within our service. It is a base for providing comprehensive care and support for patients and whānau, with access to nursing and medical support as required.

Patients with end-stage heart or lung disease are referred by a specialist to the transplant team.

After reviewing the medical information, the transplant team may ask patients and their whānau to travel to Auckland for a full transplant assessment. This assessment usually takes around a week and involves a number of appointments and tests.

The team works closely with patients and whānau to explain what is involved before, during and after a transplant.

Organ Donation New Zealand — Healthpoint