Liver Transplant Program

Not a good look.
From UC Irvine Chancellor Michael Drake:



Dear Colleagues:

As you know, we closed UCI Medical Center's Liver Transplant Program in November 2005. I am writing to update you on some of the actions that have taken place since that time.

I first became aware of concerns regarding the program on the morning of November 10, 2005. We suspended the program that morning, and later that day closed it, pending the results of a fact-finding mission which began that afternoon. On November 11, we began the process of notifying patients on our waiting list that the program was closing, and working with them to facilitate their transfer to liver transplant programs in Los Angeles or San Diego. We instructed our team to make contact that day with all patients, contacting those with the highest severity scores first, and the others within 48 hours. We followed up later that week by registered mail, and ultimately coordinated in-person visits for those patients who did not respond to our calls or registered letters. We continue to work with these patients to manage their liver disease and to facilitate their placement onto lists at programs in other regions.

On November 14, we formed a blue-ribbon committee of nationally prominent, experienced reviewers to examine the liver transplant program's management in detail, and asked that they report back to me by early February. The committee held its first meeting in mid-December, and will meet again later this month prior to submitting its report. The CEO of the hospital was placed on administrative leave during the review process. Additionally the dean of the School of Medicine relocated his primary office from the main campus to the medical center.

In December, I met with leaders of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Washington D.C. to discuss this matter.
CMS and the California Department of Health Services conducted audits of our medical center. UCI representatives will be meeting with the United Organ Sharing Network later this month. We are fully and actively cooperating with all of these agencies. Additionally, through the University of California's Washington D.C. office, we have made contact with legislators who have expressed interest in this matter. We are committed to partnering with all relevant agencies and legislators to improve the quality of transplant programs nationally.

Following receipt of the blue-ribbon committee report and the results of state and federal audits, we will endeavor to implement any changes that are appropriate to assure ourselves, the regulatory bodies, and - most importantly - the public that the UCI Medical Center is setting the standard for efficient, effective, timely, evidence-based, patient-centered care. Quality patient care is our first priority.

I will continue to update you on this matter.

Michael V. Drake
Chancellor

http://www.chancellor.uci.edu