MVH to close Transplant Center

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Miami Valley Hospital officials announced Wednesday its Kidney Transplant Center will be closing.

The hospital has notified state health officials of the decision, CEO Bobbie Gerhart said.

The decision was made because of shortage of donors and the fact that the center is performing on average, only one transplant a week.  Gerhart said continuing to operate the center would create a $3 million a year loss for the hospital.

Currently their are 90 people on the center's waiting list for a kidney transplant.  The hospital has vowed to help these patients transfer to another center of their choice.

"We want to emphasize to patients they have a choice," said Gerhart.  "Nearby centers are in Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo and Cleveland."

Gerhart stressed patients on Miami Valley's wait list will be integrated onto another list in their current position and not be moved to the back of the line.

Miami Valley Hospital plans to continue providing care for the 1100 post-op patients. Gerhart said the hospital will also continue to work closely with Life Connection of Ohio to help match patients with donors.

The eight full-time employees of the center will be moved into other positions within the hospital.

The closure will take effect either April 13 or May 13 of this year, depending on word back from the state.