UPMC Washington Expands Lung and Kidney Transplant Access

New local evaluation services help patients in Washington, Greene and nearby communities access lifesaving care closer to home.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:55pm

UPMC Washington has launched local lung and kidney transplant evaluation services, allowing patients in the Washington, Greene and surrounding areas to complete their assessments and follow-up care close to home before undergoing transplant surgeries in Pittsburgh. This expansion is part of UPMC's $300 million, 10-year investment to strengthen local healthcare services following its 2024 affiliation with Washington Health System.

Why it matters

The new local transplant evaluation services reduce barriers for patients by eliminating the need for long trips to Pittsburgh, allowing them to stay connected to their support systems and local clinicians throughout the complex transplant process. This is especially important for patients with end-stage lung disease and advanced kidney disease, who often face significant physical and emotional burdens from managing their conditions.

The details

The expanded lung transplant evaluation program provides comprehensive assessments, including imaging, diagnostic testing, pulmonary evaluation, lab work and education about the transplant process. The new UPMC Kidney Transplant Evaluation Clinic in Washington assesses eligibility, reviews diagnostic results and coordinates care with nephrologists and dialysis centers. Offering these services locally helps patients begin care sooner and receive consistent, expert guidance from UPMC transplant specialists.

  • UPMC Washington affiliated with Washington Health System in June 2024.
  • UPMC is investing $300 million over 10 years to strengthen local healthcare services.

The players

UPMC Washington

A healthcare provider that has launched local lung and kidney transplant evaluation services to improve access for patients in the Washington, Greene and surrounding areas.

Brook Ward

The president of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene.

UPMC Presbyterian

A hospital in Pittsburgh where transplant surgeries are performed.

UPMC Montefiore

A hospital in Pittsburgh where transplant surgeries are performed.

Washington Health System

A healthcare system that UPMC affiliated with in June 2024.

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What they’re saying

“The opportunity to bring this level of care to our community means a great deal. Our patients deserve access to lifesaving specialty services without the added stress of traveling far from home. These programs help families stay together, allow local clinicians to remain closely involved and give patients the chance to begin their transplant journey with the full support of their community.”

— Brook Ward, President of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene (Mirage News)

What’s next

UPMC Washington plans to continue expanding access to advanced care in the communities it serves as part of its $300 million, 10-year investment following the affiliation with Washington Health System.

The takeaway

By offering local transplant evaluation services, UPMC Washington is reducing barriers for patients and helping them access lifesaving care closer to home, which is especially important for those managing complex, chronic conditions like end-stage lung and kidney disease.