Clare with Professor Adam Testro, Director of Liver and Intestinal Transplant Medicine, in front of the Transplant Family Tree on Ward 8 West.

19 June 2026

After spending the last decade dependent on intravenous nutrition and facing progressive liver failure, Clare is homeward bound with a second chance at life.

Clare flew out to New Zealand early this morning after receiving a combined liver-intestinal transplant at Austin Health several months ago.

She received a new liver, duodenum, pancreas, small intestine and colon.

A former registered nurse, Clare developed intestinal failure as a result of severe Crohn's disease. She was referred to Austin Health in 2024, as the life-saving procedure she required is not offered in New Zealand.

In what was a first for Austin Health under a trans-Tasman arrangement, Clare flew to Melbourne after confirmation that suitable donor organs had become available.

"The Australian Intestinal Transplant Service based at Austin Health is the sole provider of intestinal transplantation for Australia and New Zealand," says Adam Testro, Director of Liver and Intestinal Transplant Medicine.

"Five intestinal transplants have been performed this year alone, including patients from Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand."

Clare is incredibly grateful for the care she received at Austin Health, and of course, the donor family.

"I feel like my future is more positive than it's been in years. This transplant has quite literally been life changing for me,” she says.

As Clare returns home, she'll continue to receive specialist care from the Austin team via Telehealth.

A heartfelt thank you to Clare's donor and donor family for making this second chance possible.