The National Institutes of Health funded a study by a Web-based service, called Konnectology which has identified the top 10 kidney transplant centers in the United States, and at the top of their list is Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. All 246 kidney transplant centers in the United States were assessed using publicly reported data from the transplant centers and Medicare.
“We, at Banner Good Sam are very proud of this most recent accolade for our Transplant Center,” said Lauren Rutledge, Director of Banner Good Samaritan Organ Transplantation Center. “Our goal is to treat every patient dignity, respect, and excellent patient care.”
Banner Good Samaritan is Arizona’s oldest and most experienced transplant center. The first kidney transplant in Arizona was performed at the hospital on Violet Lopez in 1969. There have been almost 3,200 kidney transplants performed at Banner Good Samaritan in the years following.
Konnectology found wide variations in patient outcomes among transplant centers. While the average survival rate for three years after transplant is high at 90 percent, survival varies widely depending on the center. The new method reveals that the risk of death is three times higher at the worst center compared to the best. A highly accurate scientific method was used to assess the transplant centers based on patient outcomes, experience and wait times.
Patients are referred to the Banner Good Samaritan Transplant Center from all over the western United States and are cared for by a skilled team of transplant surgeons and an interdisciplinary team dedicated to providing the best care available to patients requiring a transplant. The team provides an integrated approach to care that helps patients and their families before, during and after the transplant. This includes the highest standards of hospital and outpatient medical care, combined with a comprehensive network of support led by transplant nursing coordinators and social workers.
