Community Connection: Covenant Health | 3
Covenant Health brings kidney
transplant surgery back to West Texas
Covenant Health is proud to once again bring critically necessary services back to West Texas
by establishing the region's only kidney transplant surgery program.
The Kidney Transplant Program at Covenant Medical Center will provide life-changing
opportunities for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney
conditions. The program aims to reduce the waiting time and travel burdens previously faced by
patients who had to seek treatment outside West Texas and eastern New Mexico.
"Having a kidney transplant program right here in Lubbock means more than just medical
convenience; it represents a lifeline for our patients and their families," said Dr. Lara Johnson,
Covenant Health Chief Medical Officer. "The kidney transplant program not only enhances the
quality of care available to our patients but also solidifies Covenant Medical Center's position as
a leader in advanced medical treatments in West Texas."
Together, Covenant Health and Texas
Tech Physicians realized the need to
bring this service back to the South
Plains, offering new hope to patients
in Lubbock and the surrounding area.
The program is spearheaded by Texas
Tech Physicians transplant surgeon and
director Dr. Lynsey Biondi.
The first surgery was performed at
Covenant Medical Center on Monday,
April 7. The patient, a male in his 40s, is
recovering well.
"Last week, I had the privilege of
performing the first kidney transplant
surgery at our new program in
Lubbock," Dr. Biondi said. "Our patient
is now off dialysis, has normal kidney function, and is on the road to a full recovery. West Texas
faces one of the highest rates of kidney failure in the nation, and our skilled team of transplant
professionals is thrilled to bring this life-changing surgery to our community. This is just the
beginning—one transplant down, countless more to come."
The Kidney Transplant Program at Covenant Medical Center is fully approved and accredited
by the federal government and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN/
UNOS).
Our experienced team of transplant professionals includes doctors, nurses, social workers, a
pharmacist, a dietitian, and a financial counselor. A free education session is available to any
provider that is interested.
For more information about the kidney transplant program, please call (806) 725-3800 or visit
our website.
Pictured: Dr. Lynsey Biondi
