Surfer dude grandad's dialysis dream

[okarol]

Tuesday, 11th August 2009

Surfer dude grandad's dialysis dream

Published Date:
08 August 2009
By Aasma Day

Grandfather Joseph Woods turns into a real surfer dude when he goes into hospital to have dialysis treatment.
The 70-year-old, of Leyland, is now able to surf the Internet when having dialysis at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.

The hospital's renal unit has introduced an Internet connection and an Internet-connected laptop for patients to use during dialysis to help pass the time.

The connection allows them to watch DVDs, surf the Internet, check their email and catch up on the latest news.

The connection has been provided by fundraising and donations in memory of past patients and contributions from patients who wanted to have more independence during treatment.

The majority of patients attend haemodialysis three times a week for four hours at a time and the use of the Internet is designed to give them more freedom during their treatment.

Joseph, who is married to Joan and has three children and six grandchildren, started dialysis last year after both his kidneys began to function very poorly.

He has dialysis in hospital three times a week for four hours a time and says the new Internet facility will make the time go a lot quicker for patients.

He said: "I fly model aircraft and the Internet is a good source of getting information about model aircraft clubs.

"I surf the Internet at home and now I will be able to make use of it while I am having dialysis.

"I think it is a great idea which will be welcomed by dialysis patients."

The new connection also allows patients to make use of the Renal Patient View system on: www.renalpatientview.org where people can view blood test results and other renal-based information on a secure Internet web-page, by using a username and password.

The system has proved a real success since its introduction, with more than 500 patients making use of its convenience and ease of access.

Scott Rayner, Renal IT Manager at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Even though it is in its infancy, we are already getting excellent feedback. We would like to encourage people to bring in their own laptops to use and it should really improve patient independence during treatment."

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Surfer-dude-grandad39s-dialysis-dream.5536566.jp