Packer Returns Home With New Kidney And New Hope
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday November 29, 2000
Mr Kerry Packer was discharged from hospital yesterday, six days after doctors successfully transplanted a kidney donated by his helicopter pilot, Mr Nick Ross.
Sitting in the front passenger seat of his white BMW with the personalised number plates ``FP" the initials of his late father Sir Frank Packer the media tycoon was driven out of the main entrance of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown just before 11am.
From there he was driven to Cairnton, the family compound in Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill. He was followed by a team of aides in a separate vehicle.
Mr Packer's wife, Ros, drove from the hospital in her own car, its seats covered in flowers from well-wishers. However, the sight of reporters and cameramen lying in wait in front of the house prompted a detour to a rear entrance.
At midday a taxi arrived carrying bags from the hospital. Soon after, a postman wedged a bundle of letters into the oversize mail box. When a reporter joked about get-well cards, the postie replied nonchalantly: ``He never gets any mail, it's all for her." He then blew his whistle and walked off.
According to renal experts, Mr Packer's discharge indicates he has suffered no rejection of the new organ nor has there been any infection.
Doctors also say that his discharge from hospital within a week of surgery suggests he should be able to live at home with no special care.
``He'd be up and walking around, his urinary catheter would be out," one Sydney transplant specialist said.
``He wouldn't need a nurse. Most people who have had transplant surgery go home from hospital to the care of a relative.
``The only thing they are advised is not to drive."
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald
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