Donation of ice machine helps renal patients

[okarol]

Donation of ice machine helps renal patients
30th October 2008


THE donation of an ice machine is expected to ease the discomfort of patients having renal dialysis at Toowoomba Hospital's Renal Unit.

About 40 patients have up to three dialysis treatments a week in the unit - each one taking four to five hours.

Nurse Unit Manager Lynne Abell said many patients were on fluid restrictions, and could only drink 500 ml to one litre a day.

“This counter-top ice and water dispenser will allow them to slowly suck on ice while they are having their treatments, which increases their comfort, without greatly increasing their fluid intake,” Ms Abell said.

The unit was presented to the ward recently along with an electronic white board, thanks to donations from community groups.

These include $1170 raised from the recent Renal Unit Race Day, $600 from the Jannusch family in memory of former patient Melda Jannusch, $1000 from the Dalby Bowls Club and $1335 from the Dalby North Bowls Club.

“We are grateful for the support from these groups,” Ms Abell said. “It is great they are so willing to give something back, in recognition of the service we provide, particularly in rural areas such as Dalby.

“Melda Jannusch was a loved long-term patient of the unit and the donation by the family to enhance the comfort of future patients is greatly appreciated.”

http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2008/10/30/donation-of-ice-machine-helps-renal-patients/

[Rerun]

I'm printing off a copy of this and putting it on my director's desk.  We do not have an ice machine.

[okarol]

I'm printing off a copy of this and putting it on my director's desk.  We do not have an ice machine.

Send a copy to your local paper and tell them you don't have an ice maker. Send a copy to the local red cross too. Someone may come through.

[petey]

Unfortunately, there are still some clinics that wouldn't let the patients have ice even if they had an ice machine.  The clinic where Marvin went for 12 1/2 years wouldn't allow ANYTHING -- no water, no ice, no nothing.  Sit there and suffer -- their motto.

[jessup]

Very interesting and inspiring article.
I'm going to follow Rerun's lead - share the article with a few charity groups and the renal unit
So often there is not even cold water and there is never ice where Dad goes to D
We live in the tropics so you would think that this type of provision would be a necessity not a bonus

[RichardMEL]

Some of my nurses work up there on occasion at that unit.. I'll have to print it and show them!

Thanks!