Introduction: Many advances have been made in the field of intestinal/multivisceral transplant over recent years and favourable outcomes are now the expectation, rather than the exception. Despite this, life after small bowel/multivisceral transplants can be unpredictable. Healthcare professionals often reflect on the physical and psychological ‘costs’ of undertaking this treatment, but rarely consider the financial costs involved.

Methods: Survey of a sub-group of post-transplant patients and their families for estimate of annual personal cost of transplant follow-up care, in a single UK centre performing adult intestinal transplants.

Results: Having surveyed a sub group of 9 patients we have interesting data which identifies that our patients travel significant distances and this has wide and varied travel costs to enable them to receive the required follow up in our hospital. This data doesnt reflect parking charges on site. Some patients/relatives stay in accomodation which is funded whcih varies from £19 per night to £55 per night if on site. Other accomodation would be considerably more and an average ini our area would be around £100 per night.

Conclusion: Some patients have not been able to work pre transplant and some cannot regain work post-transplant. This is partly due to physical problems, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, tremor. For many, the unpredictability and intensive surveillance requirements are also an anticipated or actual barrier. As a national service extending across the UK, our patients travel notable distances to attend follow-up and the cost of fuel and cost of living make coming here challenging.

To mitigate some of these costs, we offer on-site accommodation wherever possible, signpost patients towards charitable funds or organisations that can assist. We as specialist nurses write supportive letters for our patients to receive Personal Independance Payments/Employment Support Allowance(s).

Financial hardship is a real concern for many transplant patients and assistance/support with this should be part of holistic follow-up care, within the limitations of national social support agencies.