Derbyshire buys dialysis machine for North Wales caravan park - Daily Post North Wales
HOLIDAYMAKERS can now receive kidney dialysis treatment at a North Wales caravan park – but only if they’re from Derbyshire.
The portable centre has been set up at Dinlle Caravan Park at Dinas Dinlle, near Caernarfon, by Derbyshire Health Authority.
The park was approached by health officials from the county after they found out many of their patients visited the area on holiday.
Park manager Tom Williams said: “People can now come away on holiday without the restraints of a lengthy time in hospital.”
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Transplant queue rises above 500 - WalesOnline
Transplant queue rises above 500 - WalesOnline
Transplant queue rises above 500
Aug 16 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
THE number of people waiting for an organ transplant in Wales has exceeded 500 for the first time ever.
Official figures from UK Transplant reveal that there are 501 people living in Wales who need a transplant – the majority are waiting for a new kidney.
Transplant queue rises above 500
Aug 16 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
THE number of people waiting for an organ transplant in Wales has exceeded 500 for the first time ever.
Official figures from UK Transplant reveal that there are 501 people living in Wales who need a transplant – the majority are waiting for a new kidney.
BBC NEWS | Wales | Transplant list passes 500 mark
BBC NEWS | Wales | Transplant list passes 500 mark
Donate Wales said in the last 20 weeks alone 13 people have died whilst on the waiting list.
Roy Thomas, the charity's chairman, said the figures of 501 on the waiting list underlined why it was "so important more of us who want to help should join the Organ Donor Register".
The charity launched its Tell a Loved One Campaign in May. Since then almost 14,000 have joined the register, but Mr Thomas said more are still needed with only 27% of the Welsh population signed up.
He said: "We would like to say thank you to those that have joined the Organ Donor Register in Wales and told their loved ones about their wishes, but the challenge does not stop there.
"We urge those that want to help to act on their good intentions and sign-up now. It only takes a few minutes to do so and you could save a life one day."
Donate Wales said in the last 20 weeks alone 13 people have died whilst on the waiting list.
Roy Thomas, the charity's chairman, said the figures of 501 on the waiting list underlined why it was "so important more of us who want to help should join the Organ Donor Register".
The charity launched its Tell a Loved One Campaign in May. Since then almost 14,000 have joined the register, but Mr Thomas said more are still needed with only 27% of the Welsh population signed up.
He said: "We would like to say thank you to those that have joined the Organ Donor Register in Wales and told their loved ones about their wishes, but the challenge does not stop there.
"We urge those that want to help to act on their good intentions and sign-up now. It only takes a few minutes to do so and you could save a life one day."
Monday, August 11, 2008
Katherine to start capital’s 10k run - WalesOnline
Katherine to start capital’s 10k run - WalesOnline
Aug 11 2008 by Matt Aplin, South Wales Echo
CLASSICAL singer Katherine Jenkins will start this year’s Cardiff 10k run from Sophia Gardens.
It will be the Welsh star’s first official engagement for the Kidney Wales Foundation as its newest patron.
The September 7 event was first launched in 1985 and has generated thousands of pounds for good causes.
Katherine said: “I’m very proud to be a patron of the Kidney Wales Foundation. To support a cause so close to my heart is very special to me.
“I first became involved with the charity in 2005 when I met brave Zowiann Flood at the Children’s Kidney Centre in Cardiff. She was only 10 at the time and desperately needed a kidney transplant.
“Her bravery was such an inspiration to see and we have been friends ever since.”
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Kidney patients at Derby City Hospital praise new dialysis caravan
Kidney patients at Derby City Hospital praise new dialysis caravan
KIDNEY patients from Derby will soon a get a home from home in North Wales where they can have dialysis treatment while they are on holiday.
Derby City General Hospital has fitted out a static caravan in Caernarfon with dialysis equipment, which patients can use when they are staying in the area.
The caravan, which cost about £50,000 to equip, will be at a caravan site in the town from Monday.
People with kidney problems often have to book holidays up to a year in advance to ensure that a nearby hospital can provide them with dialysis. Now, taking a break could be much easier.
Kidney patient Andrew Redfern, who attends the city hospital's renal unit for dialysis three times a week, said the caravan would transform the way he took a holiday.
"It's a brilliant idea. At the moment, we have to pick where we want to go on holiday, then find out if there is a dialysis unit in the vicinity that can fit a patient in.
"I have just come back from a holiday in Scotland and I could only go because I managed to book a spare place in a dialysis unit up there.
"Having a static caravan available for patients is a brilliant idea because it means we have more of an opportunity to go on holiday. It's fantastic."
Fellow kidney patient Susan Blackshaw echoed his sentiments.
Mrs Blackshaw, who has been having dialysis at home for 26 years, said: "At the moment, when I go on holiday I have to book a place in a hospital up to a year in advance and it can sometimes be a three-hour round trip for my treatment.
"This caravan will mean my family and friends can now come on holiday with me because I will have somewhere to have my dialysis."
The static unit can provide treatment for two patients at any one time and, from September onwards, will at first be open to home dialysis patients who can use the facilities independently.
From next year, the hospital is planning to staff the caravan with nurses from the renal unit for a period of time, giving those who need help with their dialysis the chance to use the service as well.
Carol Rhodes, who works at the hospital's renal unit, said that staffing the caravan would enable up to eight patients a week to use the facility.
She said: "It can often be quite a stressful time for patients who have to go to a new hospital for their treatment but this way, it will be staffed by nurses they already know.
"I think this is something that will
KIDNEY patients from Derby will soon a get a home from home in North Wales where they can have dialysis treatment while they are on holiday.
Derby City General Hospital has fitted out a static caravan in Caernarfon with dialysis equipment, which patients can use when they are staying in the area.
The caravan, which cost about £50,000 to equip, will be at a caravan site in the town from Monday.
People with kidney problems often have to book holidays up to a year in advance to ensure that a nearby hospital can provide them with dialysis. Now, taking a break could be much easier.
Kidney patient Andrew Redfern, who attends the city hospital's renal unit for dialysis three times a week, said the caravan would transform the way he took a holiday.
"It's a brilliant idea. At the moment, we have to pick where we want to go on holiday, then find out if there is a dialysis unit in the vicinity that can fit a patient in.
"I have just come back from a holiday in Scotland and I could only go because I managed to book a spare place in a dialysis unit up there.
"Having a static caravan available for patients is a brilliant idea because it means we have more of an opportunity to go on holiday. It's fantastic."
Fellow kidney patient Susan Blackshaw echoed his sentiments.
Mrs Blackshaw, who has been having dialysis at home for 26 years, said: "At the moment, when I go on holiday I have to book a place in a hospital up to a year in advance and it can sometimes be a three-hour round trip for my treatment.
"This caravan will mean my family and friends can now come on holiday with me because I will have somewhere to have my dialysis."
The static unit can provide treatment for two patients at any one time and, from September onwards, will at first be open to home dialysis patients who can use the facilities independently.
From next year, the hospital is planning to staff the caravan with nurses from the renal unit for a period of time, giving those who need help with their dialysis the chance to use the service as well.
Carol Rhodes, who works at the hospital's renal unit, said that staffing the caravan would enable up to eight patients a week to use the facility.
She said: "It can often be quite a stressful time for patients who have to go to a new hospital for their treatment but this way, it will be staffed by nurses they already know.
"I think this is something that will
Thursday, August 7, 2008
BBC NEWS | Health | Row over NHS kidney drug decision
BBC NEWS | Health | Row over NHS kidney drug decision
Patients with advanced kidney cancer will be denied four treatments on the NHS under proposals from the government's drugs advisory body.
The drugs - bevacizumab, sorafenib, sunitinib and temsirolimus - do not offer value for money, according to draft guidelines for England and Wales.
Patients with advanced kidney cancer will be denied four treatments on the NHS under proposals from the government's drugs advisory body.
The drugs - bevacizumab, sorafenib, sunitinib and temsirolimus - do not offer value for money, according to draft guidelines for England and Wales.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Families concern over Presumed Consent - missed opportunity
We have just been inundated with concerns about the failure to recommend a system of presumed consent for Wales. At the Eisteddfod people do not understand the missed opportunity.
If you would like to express a view write to your elected Representative.
See http://www.writetothem.com/
All you need do is enter your post code.
If you would like to express a view write to your elected Representative.
See http://www.writetothem.com/
All you need do is enter your post code.
Withybush Dialysis Letter to Western Mail
At last... dialysis unit is very welcome
SIR – As a committee, we would like to express our delight that there is finally going to be a dialysis unit set up at Withybush General Hospital.
This has been our ultimate aim and ambition since our inception as a committee 27 years ago.
After years of lobbying, we had been told over and over again, that there couldn’t and wouldn’t be a unit this far west. We are now beginning to feel hopeful.
We are disappointed that the permanent 21-station facility will take until 2011 to complete, but we are very excited and enthused at the possibility that a six-station temporary unit can be up and running by the end of this year.
This has to be such good news for the patients from Pembrokeshire, who have to face an extended journey to Carmarthen three times weekly for life-saving treatment. For some their day begins as early as 5.30am.
Hopefully, when the permanent unit is under way, facilities can be made available for holidaymakers to dialyse while they and their family are enjoying the wonderful scenery and amenities that the beautiful county of Pembrokeshire has to offer.
As a committee, we intend to continue raising funds to make sure that every comfort and need of those using the new unit will be met.
We are also committed to continue monitoring the progress of the construction and setting up of the units, to ensure that the work is completed as promised, as this facility is both, long overdue and very much welcomed.
CHRIS MACKEEN
Chair, Haverfordwest Committee of Kidney Wales Foundation
SIR – As a committee, we would like to express our delight that there is finally going to be a dialysis unit set up at Withybush General Hospital.
This has been our ultimate aim and ambition since our inception as a committee 27 years ago.
After years of lobbying, we had been told over and over again, that there couldn’t and wouldn’t be a unit this far west. We are now beginning to feel hopeful.
We are disappointed that the permanent 21-station facility will take until 2011 to complete, but we are very excited and enthused at the possibility that a six-station temporary unit can be up and running by the end of this year.
This has to be such good news for the patients from Pembrokeshire, who have to face an extended journey to Carmarthen three times weekly for life-saving treatment. For some their day begins as early as 5.30am.
Hopefully, when the permanent unit is under way, facilities can be made available for holidaymakers to dialyse while they and their family are enjoying the wonderful scenery and amenities that the beautiful county of Pembrokeshire has to offer.
As a committee, we intend to continue raising funds to make sure that every comfort and need of those using the new unit will be met.
We are also committed to continue monitoring the progress of the construction and setting up of the units, to ensure that the work is completed as promised, as this facility is both, long overdue and very much welcomed.
CHRIS MACKEEN
Chair, Haverfordwest Committee of Kidney Wales Foundation
LETTER TO WESTERN MAIL 4 August 2008
A missed chance
SIR – I am disappointed by the WAG Health Committees’ decision not to pursue creating a “soft” opt-out system for organ donation.
Patients continue to die on waiting lists as the demand for organs increases; a natural consequence of patients living longer with co morbidities and chronic illnesses. An opt out system would have stimulated debate amongst the public, raised awareness regarding organ donation as well as the current dire shortage, as well as forcing people to face up to discussing death with their families.
One only has to look to recent media headlines to see the fantastic second chance that organ donor problems provides, with the tragic loss of life of a three-year-old girl crushed to death turning to happiness as her parents decided to help others by donating her heart and parts of her eyes.
I only hope that the Welsh Assembly Government now commit themselves to running a vast public awareness campaign encouraging people to become voluntary donors under the current system.
I only hope that in years to come a review may decide that opt out is the route to take for Wales. This decision is a missed opportunity to once again lead the way in healthcare. My only fear is that as a doctor, I may have to face many patients and their families, desperate to receive an organ and break the tragic news to them that they may die as there is no organ available.
DR DAVID GWYNFOR SAMUEL
Pant, Merthyr Tydfil
SIR – I am disappointed by the WAG Health Committees’ decision not to pursue creating a “soft” opt-out system for organ donation.
Patients continue to die on waiting lists as the demand for organs increases; a natural consequence of patients living longer with co morbidities and chronic illnesses. An opt out system would have stimulated debate amongst the public, raised awareness regarding organ donation as well as the current dire shortage, as well as forcing people to face up to discussing death with their families.
One only has to look to recent media headlines to see the fantastic second chance that organ donor problems provides, with the tragic loss of life of a three-year-old girl crushed to death turning to happiness as her parents decided to help others by donating her heart and parts of her eyes.
I only hope that the Welsh Assembly Government now commit themselves to running a vast public awareness campaign encouraging people to become voluntary donors under the current system.
I only hope that in years to come a review may decide that opt out is the route to take for Wales. This decision is a missed opportunity to once again lead the way in healthcare. My only fear is that as a doctor, I may have to face many patients and their families, desperate to receive an organ and break the tragic news to them that they may die as there is no organ available.
DR DAVID GWYNFOR SAMUEL
Pant, Merthyr Tydfil
Missed opportunity for the Assembly to save so many lives - WalesOnline
Missed opportunity for the Assembly to save so many lives - WalesOnline
Missed opportunity for the Assembly to save so many lives
Aug 4 2008 by Richard Lewis BMA Wales Western Mail
THE National Assembly’s health committee last week rejected the idea of introducing presumed consent for organ donation in the near future.
Its members voted against a proposal to apply for a Legislative Competence Order, which would give the Assembly the power to bring in such a system in Wales, by six votes to three.
And the reason they gave for doing so? They do not believe that it is currently the most urgent priority and would act as a “distraction”.
So does that mean missing out on the chance to potentially save more lives is not a priority?
The committee also recommended that if any presumed consent system were to be introduced in the UK, it should be the “soft” version, where loved ones are consulted and their views taken into account.
This is something BMA Wales wholeheartedly supports and we cannot see why this should not have been an option for consideration.
Missed opportunity for the Assembly to save so many lives
Aug 4 2008 by Richard Lewis BMA Wales Western Mail
THE National Assembly’s health committee last week rejected the idea of introducing presumed consent for organ donation in the near future.
Its members voted against a proposal to apply for a Legislative Competence Order, which would give the Assembly the power to bring in such a system in Wales, by six votes to three.
And the reason they gave for doing so? They do not believe that it is currently the most urgent priority and would act as a “distraction”.
So does that mean missing out on the chance to potentially save more lives is not a priority?
The committee also recommended that if any presumed consent system were to be introduced in the UK, it should be the “soft” version, where loved ones are consulted and their views taken into account.
This is something BMA Wales wholeheartedly supports and we cannot see why this should not have been an option for consideration.
More sign up to donate their organs on the NHS register - WalesOnline
More sign up to donate their organs on the NHS register
Aug 4 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
MORE than 11,000 people have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register in the wake of the first all-Wales organ donation campaign.
In the two months since the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign was launched in mid May, the number of people in Wales who have registered now stands at 791,543.
But the number of people waiting for an organ transplant in Wales have also increased – the figure now stands at 490, a 61% increase since 2001. The majority of people on the list are waiting for a new kidney.
And in the last five years 150 people from Wales have died while waiting for an organ transplant.
The Donate Wales campaign, which is led by the Kidney Wales Foundation, is the first of its kind in Wales and is designed to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage people to talk about their wishes with their families.
Although nine out of 10 people in Wales support the principle of organ donation, 40% of families refuse to allow their loved ones’ organs to be donated, even if they carried a donor card.
The campaign has been backed by Welsh celebrities including rugby star James Hook, and athlete and TV presenter Colin Jackson.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We know that around 90% of people in Wales support organ donation, yet only 27% have acted on their good intentions and signed up.
“Since we launched the Tell a Loved One campaign, many people have told us that joining the Organ Donor Register has been something they have always wanted to do, but never got round to.
“The campaign has given these people the chance to take that extra vital step and just as importantly got more people talking about organ donation.”
To join the Organ Donor Register text GIVE to 64118, visit www.donatewales.org or contact 0845 60 60 400
Aug 4 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
MORE than 11,000 people have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register in the wake of the first all-Wales organ donation campaign.
In the two months since the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign was launched in mid May, the number of people in Wales who have registered now stands at 791,543.
But the number of people waiting for an organ transplant in Wales have also increased – the figure now stands at 490, a 61% increase since 2001. The majority of people on the list are waiting for a new kidney.
And in the last five years 150 people from Wales have died while waiting for an organ transplant.
The Donate Wales campaign, which is led by the Kidney Wales Foundation, is the first of its kind in Wales and is designed to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage people to talk about their wishes with their families.
Although nine out of 10 people in Wales support the principle of organ donation, 40% of families refuse to allow their loved ones’ organs to be donated, even if they carried a donor card.
The campaign has been backed by Welsh celebrities including rugby star James Hook, and athlete and TV presenter Colin Jackson.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We know that around 90% of people in Wales support organ donation, yet only 27% have acted on their good intentions and signed up.
“Since we launched the Tell a Loved One campaign, many people have told us that joining the Organ Donor Register has been something they have always wanted to do, but never got round to.
“The campaign has given these people the chance to take that extra vital step and just as importantly got more people talking about organ donation.”
To join the Organ Donor Register text GIVE to 64118, visit www.donatewales.org or contact 0845 60 60 400
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Establishment of the People Like Us Council
On Wednesday 6th of August at the Copthorne Hotel Cardiff (5pm) there will be a meeting of renal health professionals and patients to discuss the establishment of the People Like Us Council.
This idea started from the Conference held in January. Allison John will chair the Council. The Council has already received support from the Health Minister Edwina Hart and financial backing from the Kidney Wales Foundation.
For more information contact Allison John at the Kidney Wales Foundation.
This idea started from the Conference held in January. Allison John will chair the Council. The Council has already received support from the Health Minister Edwina Hart and financial backing from the Kidney Wales Foundation.
For more information contact Allison John at the Kidney Wales Foundation.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Cricketer to swap pads for running shoes (From South Wales Argus)
Cricketer to swap pads for running shoes (From South Wales Argus)
Cricketer to swap pads for running shoes
By South Wales Argus Newsdesk
NEWPORT-born former Glamorgan cricketer Dan Cherry will pound the streets of Cardiff in the autumn, to help raise awareness of a shortage of organ donors.
The 28-year-old former county batsman, now operations manager at Glamorgan's Swalec Stadium, Cardiff, is drawing inspiration for a 10-kilometre run and half-marathon from brother Ben and uncle Richard John, who have both been affected by kidney failure.
Mr Cherry, who will run the HSBC Cardiff 10K Run in September and the city's half marathon a month later, in aid of the Kidney Wales Foundation.
Mr John had a kidney and pancreas transplant last September, but Ben Cherry is currently awating a kidney tranplant.
"It's been difficult for Ben. Seeing his life revolve around dialysis and knowing his only real chance of leading a normal life again like my uncle is through a transplant, is what has inspired me to help the Kidney Wales Foundation and its lifesaving campaign," said Mr Cherry, who was on Glamorgan's books for more than a decade.
He can be sponsored by visiting justgiving.com/dancherry1.
To join the organ donor register, visit donatewales.co.uk or call 0845 6060400.
Cricketer to swap pads for running shoes
By South Wales Argus Newsdesk
NEWPORT-born former Glamorgan cricketer Dan Cherry will pound the streets of Cardiff in the autumn, to help raise awareness of a shortage of organ donors.
The 28-year-old former county batsman, now operations manager at Glamorgan's Swalec Stadium, Cardiff, is drawing inspiration for a 10-kilometre run and half-marathon from brother Ben and uncle Richard John, who have both been affected by kidney failure.
Mr Cherry, who will run the HSBC Cardiff 10K Run in September and the city's half marathon a month later, in aid of the Kidney Wales Foundation.
Mr John had a kidney and pancreas transplant last September, but Ben Cherry is currently awating a kidney tranplant.
"It's been difficult for Ben. Seeing his life revolve around dialysis and knowing his only real chance of leading a normal life again like my uncle is through a transplant, is what has inspired me to help the Kidney Wales Foundation and its lifesaving campaign," said Mr Cherry, who was on Glamorgan's books for more than a decade.
He can be sponsored by visiting justgiving.com/dancherry1.
To join the organ donor register, visit donatewales.co.uk or call 0845 6060400.
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