Location and travel information

The Queensland Kidney Transplant Service is located at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Brisbane. Younger patients (up to end of secondary school age) are cared for at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. The PAH is well serviced by public transport and has two privately operated carparks. Car parking concessions (PDF) are available for eligible patients.

The transplant unit, Ward 4BT is on level 4 in the main building at the PAH, you will attend this area for the transplant and for the first few weeks after your discharge. After the first few weeks you will attend your outpatient appointments at the Ambulatory Renal Transplant Service (ARTS) building (building 31) located on Cornwall St. View maps of the hospital campus and main building floors online.

Patients will need to arrange their own transport to and from hospital. Queensland Ambulance Service is generally unable to bring patients in for their transplant. Please ensure you have a travel plan in place once you are placed on the donor waiting list.

Travel assistance

Regional and rural patients

If you need to travel more than 50kms to attend the QKTS you may be eligible for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) to offset transport and accommodation costs for yourself and a support person.

If you are travelling from interstate you may be eligible for travel subsidies through IPTAAS (New South Wales residents) or Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (Northern Territory residents).

Taxi subsidy scheme

The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) subsidises taxi travel—half of the total fare, up to a maximum of $25 per trip—for people with severe disabilities. Check the website for full eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Disability parking permit

You may be able to get an Australian permit if your ability to walk is severely restricted by a medical condition or disability. Check the website for full eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Driving after a transplant

As each patient’s recovery is different, check with your doctors for medical clearance to drive. Some medications may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Flying after a transplant

Patients are advised to check with the medical staff as to whether they are medically safe and fit to fly. This applies to the pre- transplant and early (within 3 months) post-transplant timeframe.

Generally, patients can fly within Australia to their home when they have completed the initial 6-8 weeks post-transplant outpatient clinics in Brisbane.

Seek medical advice regarding other domestic travel within the initial post-transplant year. In most instances, it is fine to travel within Australia. Speak with your medical team for advice about international travel as this may require a medication plan, vaccinations and insurance.