A voluntary support group for heart transplant patients and their families was launched yesterday at the Mater Hospital in Dublin by the President, Mrs McAleese.
The Irish Heart Transplant Association, formerly the Mater Heartbeat Club, has been founded to promote donor awareness as well as providing pre- and post-operative support for transplant patients. Mrs McAleese is patron of the new association.
The hospital is developing a heart/lung transplant programme in conjunction with the Department of Health, St Vincent's Hospital and Elm Park.