Introducing the Eller Lung Transplant Clinic

(February 2019) St. Joseph’s Foundation is grateful to acknowledge longtime benefactors Scott and Laura Eller, whose generosity will help streamline services to address the needs of an ever-growing patient population at the newly designated Eller Lung Transplant Clinic at Norton Thoracic Institute. Funds from the Ellers will allow for the expansion of clinical space and the addition of transplant nurses, physicians and other staff support. 

Scott and Laura Eller

The couple’s decision to invest in transplant care provided at the clinic is based on their personal experiences:  Laura underwent a lung transplant procedure at Norton Thoracic Institute in August 2018. Like all transplant patients, she participates in a rigorous plan of care that requires regular, vigilant follow-up appointments at the clinic.

The hospital dedicated space to a comprehensive care transplant clinic at St. Joseph’s two years ago to provide pre- and post-transplant services to patients receiving lung, kidney and liver transplants. Norton Thoracic Institute’s Lung Transplant Program is recognized as one of the most successful of its kind in the nation, performing more lifesaving procedures than any other facility in the Southwest.

“St. Joseph’s is one of the best for lung transplants, with a great technical team, so we wanted to help elevate the facility to the same world-class status,” says Scott. “The goal is to make this a better experience for patients and to adapt it even more for their needs.”

The gift is designated to endow the director’s position at the Eller Lung Transplant Clinic as well as support the hiring of a post-transplant nurse practitioner, nurses with specialty training in transplant care, an infectious disease physician, a psychiatrist and administrative staff. Funds will expand the physical space of the facility in addition to supporting other capital needs, including technologically advanced medical equipment for better diagnostics and treatment.

Most importantly, the Eller’s funds will help reduce the amount of time patients must spend at the clinic, while maintaining the highest standards of care, all designed to accelerate recovery and enhance the quality of life.

Thank you for your generous support, Scott and Laura Eller!

 

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