National protocols and standards
An investigation into heart and lung transplantation by the Commission for Health Improvement, resulted in a report, published in late 2001 which required the UKT Cardiothoracic Advisory Group to produce a number of national protocols and standards.
Following widespread consultation the advisory group approved the following protocols and standards:
- National protocol for assessment of cardiothoracic transplant patients
- Donor retrieval process for heart and lungs
- National standards on documentation for cardiothoracic transplant patients
The Government also announced that the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) would take on responsibility for commissioning heart and lung transplant services for both adults and children. The framework of standards produced by NSCAG to inform the commissioning process can be accessed using the following link:
