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To improve access to lifesaving care in Eastern Virginia, Riverside Health and UVA Health are expanding their strategic alliance to include liver transplant services. This continued collaboration represents a shared commitment to keeping essential, advanced medical care close to home for the Hampton Roads community.

Riverside and UVA Health first joined forces in 2023 to expand access to advanced transplant care in Newport News through UVA Health’s outreach clinic located in Newport News. With the addition of liver transplant coordination, the collaboration now offers even greater support for patients with complex liver conditions — while continuing to deliver trusted hepatology care locally through Riverside Gastroenterology Specialists.

“For decades, our hepatology team at Riverside has been a trusted resource for specialized liver care in the community — from managing hepatitis and fatty‐liver disease to cirrhosis and complex diagnostics,” said Michael Ney, MD, fellowship-trained gastroenterologist and hepatology specialist with Riverside Gastroenterology Specialists. “Our new partnership with UVA Health strengthens that continuum: most patients will continue receiving comprehensive hepatology services right here at Riverside, while those who ultimately need a liver transplant will gain streamlined access to UVA’s nationally recognized transplant program. Together, we’re ensuring every patient gets the right level of care, when and where they need it.”

Through this collaboration, patients will continue receiving comprehensive hepatology care at Riverside Gastroenterology Specialists, while those in need of a liver transplant will benefit from coordinated care led by UVA Health’s transplant team — beginning with local evaluation and support services right here in our community. A dedicated UVA Health transplant navigator will help guide patients through each step of the process, ensuring continuity from initial consult through surgery and post-transplant care at UVA Health University Medical Center in Charlottesville. This partnership brings together trusted local care and nationally recognized transplant expertise to support patients through every stage of their liver health journey.

“For patients and their families facing an advanced liver disease diagnosis, having well-coordinated, specialized care close to home is critical,” said Mitchell Rosner, MD, interim executive vice president of health affairs at the University of Virginia. “At UVA Health, we set a 10-year strategic plan goal to cultivate healthy communities and expand access to clinical programs across Virginia so no patient has to leave the state to get care. This growing affiliation with Riverside Health is enabling much more of this specialized care to meet patients where they are in eastern Virginia, with tightly coordinated programs tailored for them.” 

Patients with advanced liver disease often face long travel distances, complex care plans, and the emotional toll of navigating a transplant journey. This expanded collaboration between Riverside and UVA Health is designed to ease that burden for individuals and families in Hampton Roads and Eastern Virginia. By offering expert pre- and post-transplant liver care locally we’re making it easier for patients to access the evaluations, treatments, and support they need, close to home. This model allows patients to stay connected to their loved ones and their communities while preparing for and recovering from liver transplant surgery.

"Building on the success we’ve achieved with Riverside Health will further strengthen the quality of specialized, local care in Hampton Roads," said Curtis Argo, MD, a UVA Health liver transplant specialist and program director. "Our continued collaboration is a reflection of our joint commitment to not only enhancing care but also supporting the mental, physical, and financial well-being of the community. At the heart of this expansion is ensuring community members have continued access to high-quality and lifesaving care close to home."

In addition to lung, kidney, and liver transplant programs, Riverside and UVA Health provide highly specialized cardiothoracic surgery care for those in eastern Virginia living with heart, lung and other related conditions. The two health systems are working to expand clinical trials access and medical education programs at Riverside locations, with additional programs and services expected in the future.

“Riverside has a long-standing commitment to delivering exceptional care and our strategic alliance with UVA Health has taken that commitment even further,” said Michael Dacey, Chief Executive Officer of Riverside Health. “By expanding the access to advanced services like transplant and cardiothoracic surgery, we’re combining the strengths of academic medicine with the reach and trust of community based care — bringing even more lifesaving medical care closer to home.” 

For liver transplant evaluation or services, visit the UVA Health Transplant Center or call 800.543.8814. For expert hepatology care – including evaluation and treatment for chronic liver conditions — visit Riverside Gastroenterology Specialists in Newport News or call 757.534.7701 to schedule an appointment.