Kidney transplant follow-up at Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Information for patients from the Renal Department
Kidney Transplant Nurses
Telephone: 01227 866443 (Monday to Friday; 8am to 6pm)Marlowe Ward
Telephone: 01227 783100 (out of hours)
Clinic appointments are important. Your risk of rejection or infection is highest during the first few months. The transplant team will need to monitor you closely.
We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your healthcare team.
What happens when I arrive for my appointment?
Report to the Renal Outpatients Department at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. You will be seen by a consultant or a senior nurse.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes.
What will happen at my clinic appointments?
You are weighed.
Your blood pressure is taken.
You have a fluid assessment and urine dip.
Your wound dressing is checked.
You will have a blood test.
How long will my appointment take?
Your first appointment may take up to 1 hour. All other appointments usually take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your individual needs.
How often do I need to come to the Transplant Clinic?
Immediately after your transplant, you need to come to the Transplant Clinic 3 times a week for 1 to 2 weeks.
After this you will need to come twice a week for 5 weeks.
You will then be seen:
weekly for 8 weeks;
every 2 weeks for 2 months; and then
monthly for 6 months.
More frequent visits may be necessary, depending on your individual needs.
What will happen about my medication?
When you are discharged from Guy’s Hospital, they will give you enough medication to last at home for at least 2 weeks. It is very important that you do not run out of medication. Let the transplant team know when you are running low (you have 2 weeks supply left).
Contact your GP surgery as soon as possible after having your transplant. Your GP will prescribe all your medication (including Prednisolone), except your anti-rejection medication.
The renal pharmacist will see you on one of your first clinic visits. They can answer any concerns or issues you have about your new medications.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring the following to your first clinic appointment at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
All your medication.
Any documents that Guy’s Hospital have given you.
How will I know if I need to change any of my anti-rejection drugs?
One of the transplant nurses will contact you by telephone. You are likely to receive the call late afternoon. It is very important that we are able to contact you and have your up-to-date contact details.
Can I eat normally after having a transplant?
There may be some food you cannot eat during the first few weeks following your transplant. The renal dietician will be able to advise you of any changes you need to make to your diet. The dietician will do this over the phone or during a clinic visit.
Do I have to pay for my prescriptions?
You may be able to get free prescriptions if you:
receive certain benefits;
are on a low income;
are aged 60 or over; or
have certain health conditions.
There may be other reasons why you can get free prescriptions. You can find out more by visiting the NHS web site.
Am I entitled to hospital transport?
Yes. You are entitled to hospital transport for the first 6 weeks following your transplant. To find out more about the eligibility criteria, please contact G4S on 08000 960211 or via email.
Contact details
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the following.
Kidney Transplant Nurses
Telephone: 01227 866443 (Monday to Friday; 8am to 6pm)Marlowe Ward
Telephone: 01227 783100 (out of hours)
What do you think of this leaflet?
We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.
If you would like to give us feedback about this leaflet, please fill in our short online survey. Either scan the QR code below, or use the web link. We do not record your personal information, unless you provide contact details and would like to talk to us some more.
If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.
Patient Voice Team
Telephone: 01227 868605
Email