Organ Network Puts Sharp on Probation; Two Patients Involved in Controversy Died Waiting for Transplants

By Katie Weeks

San Diego Business Journal Staff

September 21, 2006

Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego has been placed on probation by the national organ procurement network and the agency says two people died while waiting for pancreas transplants from the hospital.

Sharp Memorial Chief Executive Officer Dan Gross said Sept. 21 that the two patients held inactive lives, and their conditions would not have allowed them to survive surgery.

"(Even inactive patients) stay on the waiting list in case their condition improves," Gross said of the system.

One death came in 2005, the other in 2006, according to the Richmond, Va.-based Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing.

The probation came as a result of Sharp Memorial's pancreas transplant program being inactive for more than six months and Sharp failed to notify the agency.

"Sharp Memorial remains qualified to continue to perform pancreas transplantation, as well as maintain its active kidney and heart transplant programs," read a Sept. 20 statement from the OPTN/UNOS.

Sharp Memorial's primary reason for inactivity in the pancreas program is the difficulty in finding a pancreas that meets standards. For example, it must be suitable for the patient's particular weight, Gross said. Twice during the program's inactive period -- from April 2005 to July of this year -- Sharp's surgeon was unavailable, he said. Gross said Sharp Memorial does not have any immediate plans to add surgeons.

Currently, there are 11 patients waiting for pancreas transplants from Sharp Memorial, and seven in line for kidney/pancreas transplants.

To get off probation, the agency wants a plan of action from Sharp that must include plans to enhance its reporting to the organization, and written notification to transplant candidates that the program is served by one surgeon.

The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and important hormones, including insulin.

The organ procurement agency operates through a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to regulate organ transplants.

Copyright © 2006 San Diego Business Journal Associates.

This article posted October 10, 2006.