Kidney Transplant House Program

Our Kidney Transplant Houses provide a home away from home for regional and rural Australians traveling to major cities for kidney transplants and related procedures

We are here to support families during what can be a daunting and stressful time. We hope to ease the financial stress and emotional burden that can occur when having to spend weeks away from home by providing free accommodation in Adelaide and Melbourne to people traveling over 100km for their kidney procedure. Each Transplant House is a private property offering 2-3 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and a secure parking space. They are located close to local amenities and within 20-30 mins of a treating hospital.

While the Transplant Houses primarily support kidney transplant donors and recipients and their families, we can also support:

  • Nephrectomies
  • Dialysis training
  • Other kidney related procedures e.g. fistula insertions

Our Kidney Transplant Houses

Brunswick East Transplant House, Victoria

A well-appointed two-bedroom, two-bath apartment. Download the expression of interest form.

Kent Town Transplant House, South Australia

A modern and secure apartment featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms (one as an ensuite). Download the expression of interest form.

Checking eligibility to stay

Our Kidney Transplant Houses are available for free to people undergoing a kidney transplant or kidney related-procedure (and their families and carers) who live more than 100km from their nearest treatment hospital. To be eligible, patients must:

  • Qualify for funding from their state patient transport assistance scheme
  • Pay a $200 refundable bond
  • Sign a lease agreement
  • Stay for a minimum length of 2 weeks

If you are not sure whether you meet the criteria or have any questions please email us at transplant.housing@kidney.org.au or give us a call on 1800 454 363 (option 3).

Applying to stay

Transplant donors, recipients, and carers can apply by completing an expression of interest form. Transplant Coordinators and Social Workers are also able to submit an EOI on their patient’s behalf.

We understand that each person can receive a varying amount on notice when it comes to receiving their transplant. Some only have a couple of hours get prepared, others have months in advance to plan ahead. Even if you do not have a scheduled date for your transplant, we encourage those who met the criteria to submit an EOI.

  1. Check with your relevant state Patient Transport scheme office to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. Staff at your transplant hospital will also be able to assist in determining if you are eligible
  2. If eligible, download and complete the EOI form, located in the link above on page of the house you wish to stay in
  3. Once complete, send the EOI to transplanthousing@kidney.org.au
  4. Upon receiving your EOI, Kidney Health Australia will check your eligibility and the availability of the house at the dates you have requested.

Preparing for your stay

If you are eligible and the accommodation is available across the dates you requested, we will confirm the check in dates with you.

Prior to your stay you will need to sign a lease agreement and pay a $200 bond.

On check in day, a friendly volunteer or Kidney Health Australia Staff member will meet you at an agreed time to provide you with keys, walk you through the Transplant House and answer any questions you may have.

Have any questions? Send us an email.