Division of Respirology

Department of Medicine

Assessment and Referral

Questions?

If you have general questions about the assessment process, we're happy to help.

Visit our Contact Us page to learn more.

Please note that we can answer general questions about the Lung Transplant Program but cannot provide medical advice or discuss individual patient concerns by email.

If you have advanced lung disease, your healthcare provider may recommend an assessment to determine whether a lung transplant is an appropriate treatment option.

The Nova Scotia Lung Transplant Program assesses patients across the province and coordinates care with Canada's lung transplant centres. Every patient is unique, and an assessment does not necessarily mean a transplant will be recommended. The goal is to determine whether transplantation is the right treatment at the right time.
 

Referral Criteria

Patients must be referred by a physician or nurse practitioner.

We assess adults who:

  • have a valid Nova Scotia Health Card
  • live anywhere in Nova Scotia
  • may benefit from a lung transplant based on their medical condition

If you think a lung transplant may be appropriate for you, please speak with your healthcare provider.

What happens after the Lung Transplant Program receives a referral?

Our team aims to make the referral process as straightforward as possible. Once we receive your referral, we'll guide you through each step.

Step 1: Referral Review

After your referral is received, our transplant nurse will review your information and contact you — typically within one week — to complete an initial screening and discuss your medical history.

Step 2: Clinic Assessment

If you meet the initial screening criteria, we'll arrange an appointment with our Lung Transplant Program, usually within one month of receiving your referral.

During this appointment, you'll meet with members of our team to discuss your health, review your medical history, and determine whether further assessment is appropriate.

Step 3: Further Testing

If a lung transplant is considered appropriate, we'll arrange additional tests and investigations to better understand your overall health and determine whether transplantation is a safe and suitable option.

The urgency of your assessment and testing will depend on your individual circumstances.

Step 4: Referral to a Transplant Centre

Once your assessment is complete, your case will be reviewed and presented to one of Canada's lung transplant centres.

While many patients are referred to Toronto, we also work closely with transplant programs in Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver when appropriate.

Step 5: If You're Accepted

If a transplant centre accepts you as a candidate, you'll need to temporarily relocate closer to that centre while waiting for a donor lung.

Each transplant centre has slightly different requirements and timelines. Our team will explain what to expect and help guide you through the process.

 

Canadian Lung Transplant Centres

The Nova Scotia Lung Transplant Program partners with Canada's four surgical lung transplant centres:

  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Montreal, Quebec
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Vancouver, British Columbia

Our team works closely with each centre throughout the referral and assessment process to help coordinate your care.


Preparing for Assessment

Every transplant centre has its own eligibility criteria, but there are several important factors that may be considered during the assessment process, including:

  • your overall health
  • your lung disease
  • body mass index (BMI)
  • medication coverage
  • the availability of a support person during and after transplant
  • your ability to temporarily relocate for surgery and recovery

You can learn more about these topics on our Frequently Asked Questions page.