Hospital dialysis scheme is voted huge success

[okarol]

Hospital dialysis scheme is voted huge success

Jul 2 2008 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

DIALYSIS patients at Monklands Hospital who struggled with their mobility are making remarkable progress – with some even joining gyms and going dancing - thanks to an innovative pilot scheme.

The Active Living Programme has now been running within NHS Lanarkshire’s Renal Unit for two years, with some amazing results.

One patient even went from being a wheelchair user to doing press-ups and going to Country and Western dances.

Occupational Therapist Shonaid McCabe, who runs the programme, explained the aims of the programme.

She said: “It can be a vicious circle when you are first diagnosed with kidney problems and requiring dialysis as many people encounter difficulties working and doing the kind of activities they were used to.

“It’s then hard to get started again and people can lose confidence.

“Many renal patients are bored and unhappy because they are inactive but the Active Living Programme can help them turn this around. We try to give the support and encouragement needed for people to become more active and help them return to jobs and activities they did before their illness.”

When patients first start their dialysis treatment at Monklands, they are asked to complete a questionnaire which asks them about the activities they used to do before they became ill.

The patients who have signed up for the Active Living programme have certainly given their thumbs-up to the project.

John Turner, from Larkhall, has made a remarkable turnaround since asking for Shonaid’s help.

He said: “My weight had shot up to more than 30 stones. I couldn’t even use the stairs in my own home and needed a wheelchair to get around.

“I just got fed up so I approached Shonaid and asked if she could help.

“She arranged for me to go to a gym and I steadily built up the amount of exercise I did, from walking, to lifting dumbbells, then using exercise balls, doing press-ups and I’ve lost about 12 stones.

“Now I go to Strathaven Park for regular walks, go to the bingo and do some gardening.

“I even went to a Country and Western night with my sister and was up dancing.

“I’m doing things now I’d never have dreamed about a year ago and Shonaid’s Active Living programme has been tremendous for me.”

Edward McGowan, from Coatbridge, is another patient who has benefited from the innovative scheme.

The 72-year-old said: "I wasn't getting much exercise at all but the Active Living programme has made a big difference to me.

"Shonaid has really encouraged me to think about how I can be more active and I feel a lot better because of it."

The Active Living pilot programme at Monklands was commissioned by the British Kidney Patient Association in April 2006, who provided the finance for Occupational Therapist Shonaid McCabe to run the scheme for two years.

NHS Lanarkshire’s Renal Unit at Monklands has agreed to extend the funding to allow Shonaid to continue her work due to the successful results.


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