Memorial Hermann Hospital’s liver donation program is suspended

HOUSTON — Memorial Hermann Hospital at the Texas Medical Center has put its liver transplant program on hold after hospital administrators said they learned of a “pattern of irregularities” in donor acceptance criteria.

The hospital said donor acceptance criteria includes information such as the deceased liver donor’s weight and age.

The hospital did not provide details of the wrongdoing, but issued a statement. Hospital officials pointed out that the problem lies with medical institutions. Unified network for organ sharing (UNOS) Porting information database. That database is for patients on Memorial Hermann Hospital’s liver transplant waiting list.

Memorial Hermann said the hospital voluntarily suspended its liver donation program when it learned of the issue. He also said he is conducting an investigation and cooperating with regulators.

Memorial Hermann said the hospital’s other donation programs have not been affected.

The hospital said it is working with families and patients awaiting liver transplants.

This is a developing story. As we learn more, we will post it online.