RPA Kidney Transplant Unit has performed more than 100 kidney transplants in the past 12 months, giving patients a new lease on life through the generosity of donors and their families.
 

In 2024, the RPA Kidney Transplant Unit achieved a significant milestone: 102 kidney transplants were performed within a single calendar year. This accomplishment is particularly remarkable as it comes amid the healthcare sector's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted organ and tissue donation and transplantation worldwide. 

Among those whose lives were transformed by this achievement is Suzanne Bland, who recently received a kidney transplant at RPA. Born with reflux nephropathy, Suzanne began dialysis at just 20 years old. Over the decades, she has undergone three kidney transplants, with the most recent a turning point in her life. 

“This transplant has given me my life back,” Suzanne said. 

“After years on dialysis, I can now work full-time, travel and spend quality time with my husband and our dogs, Izzy and Zoe. I’m finally living a normal life again.” 

Suzanne’s story underscores the profound impact of organ donation, especially as patients face prolonged waiting periods due to the lingering effects of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the RPA Kidney Transplant Unit and NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service continue to work towards improving organ donation and transplantation rates and outcomes. 

“Kidney transplantation is nothing short of life-changing for patients with kidney failure,” said Allyson Newman, Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant Coordinator at RPA.  

“Every donation represents the generosity of families and individuals, giving patients like Suzanne better quality of life,” Allyson said. 

For Suzanne, the new kidney symbolises freedom from the constraints of dialysis and the ability to plan her future without interruption.  

“I’m grateful every day for the donor and their family who made this possible,” Suzanne shared. “Their decision changed my life.” 

As the team at RPA Transplant Unit celebrates this milestone after several challenging years, their focus remains on improving transplant outcomes, reducing waiting times, raising the profile of living kidney donation and encouraging more Australians to register as organ donors.