Philip – Transplant Coordinator #HeroesOfTransplantation

My name is Philip Seeley and I am a heart 🫀and lung 🫁 Transplant Coordinator for both adults and children at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

My role is to educate, support and guide the patient and their family/parents through their  transplant journey. This starts from being assessed for heart and lung transplantation, to waiting on the transplant list and to the moment of their operation.

I work as part of a specialised team of various disciplines during the transplant pathway, with each member of the team having a part to play in the journey the recipient goes through.

The best part of my job is being able to tell the recipient that the transplant is happening, that it’s going ahead and taking them to the theatre doors where after waiting the time for that call to come is about to happen and their life can move forwards.

No two days are the same and whilst there is a lot of positivity and success in heart and lung transplantation there is sadly some scenarios and situations which can be tough and difficult. I am therefore extremely lucky and honoured to work with such a supportive and resilient team but even more so to be a part of the recipients life changing gift.

It is, however, a treatment that cannot happen without the donations from those brave and heroic individuals and family’s who donate their own/or their loved ones organs – ‘The gift of life’, to save another and for that I have the upmost respect and deepest gratitude so to those who have and those who will, I say thank you.

The role of the Transplant Coordinator

Recipient transplant co-ordinators are responsible for arranging the tests needed to assess patients’ suitability to go on the transplant waiting list. They coordinate the transplant waiting list and arrange follow-up consultations after transplantation. They support and guide the recipient through their transplant pathway.

Read more about this role on our Transplant Roles page.