For many transplant patients, the good news of a life-saving organ match is accompanied by feelings of uncertainty and a whole new set of challenges, especially if they are traveling to receive care. To accommodate these patients, the Penn Transplant Institute offers the Clyde F. Barker Penn Transplant House, a guest house for transplant patients and their families and caregivers.
Transplant House Amenities
The Clyde F. Barker Penn Transplant House is conveniently located at 3940 Spruce Street in Philadelphia, just a few blocks from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The house is not a medical facility, but rather a small guest house designed to meet the unique needs of transplant patients and their families and caregivers.
The house has:
- Sleeping rooms that can accommodate up to four people – each with a TV and an adjoining private bath with hair dryers
- Kitchen facilities where multiple families can prepare meals, enjoy coffee and tea service, and access a pantry with staple food items
- Communal dining room
- Computers with Internet access
- WiFi
- Laundry room
- Family room where families can enjoy watching TV, reading or playing games, including a Wii game system
- Fitness room for exercise and stress relief
- Education center – a space devoted to underscoring the importance of educating patients and families about self-care, a core value of the Penn Transplant Institute
- Onsite maintenance and security
- Nearby shopping and restaurants
Learn about our Guest Chef's Program, which provides meals to those staying at the Transplant House.
History of the Penn Transplant House
The Penn Transplant House officially opened its doors on June 14, 2011. Named for Penn's world-renowned transplant surgeon, Clyde F. Barker, MD, the facility was designed and built entirely through the generosity of private donations. For a nominal cost, patients can enjoy homelike accommodations, including a sun-filled living space and a central courtyard.
"The Barker Transplant House represents the reality that patient care extends beyond our hospitals walls," said Abraham Shaked, MD, director of the Penn Transplant Institute.
Watch the video of the House's grand opening in 2011: