Kidney Health Australia Welcomes Record Transplant Numbers

[charee]

Kidney Health Australia Welcomes Record Transplant Numbers
 
6 January 2009 
 
 
 
 
Kidney Health Australia today welcomed the record transplant numbers released today by the Australia and New Zealand Organ Donation Registry.

Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia, Dr Tim Mathew said the increase of 31% of organ donors on last year was a major tribute to the medical teams and ancillary staff involved in organ donation transplantation which has resulted in donation rate of 12.1 per million of population. This is the highest number since transplantation in the 1960s.
Dr Mathew said the more people who donate their kidneys the shorter the waiting time will be for the 1298 people currently waiting for a kidney transplant

"Kidneys account for 48% of all organ transplants in Australia.

"The wait for a kidney transplant on average is four to five years.

"There is no cure for kidney disease with dialysis and transplant the only options once the patient's kidneys fail.

"Chronic Kidney Disease is a disease which not only impacts on older patients. In 2005 33% of all new patients suffering kidney failure were under the age of 55.

"At present there are approximately 8500 Australians being kept alive by dialysis, costing $83,000 each annually, with the dialysis bill growing at $1 million a week," Dr Mathew said.

Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith National Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201


 

[RichardMEL]

And dear Charee you are one of those very important transplant statistics now!!!!

 

[paris]

Richard, you will be the statistic in 2009!      This is going to be your year 

[charee]

This is what blew me away "At present there are approximately 8500 Australians being kept alive by dialysis, costing $83,000 each annually, with the dialysis bill growing at $1 million a week," Dr Mathew said. I knew kidney disease was on the increase but thats alot of people and I'm with Paris   2009 will be your year Richard

[KarenInWA]

I'd like to "third" that, if I may.  Richard, 2009 will be the year you get your freedom back!  We'll even throw you a party once you're back on your feet! 

    

[RichardMEL]

thank you guys (well girls !!!! ) I had TWO people in the dialysis unit (staff) tell me they had a "feeling" this was my year. What's with all the positive vibes? LOL I think it will go away in about 2 weeks!! Too much new year bubbly methinks!

And Paris you just want me to take AlohaBeth off your hands!! I know your motive!! 

The $83,000 figure is also interesting. This was mentioned on a medical show on kidney failure on Sunday night they had here (my neph was the main guest!!  ). It's a heck of a lot of money and amazing how many people are on dialysis.

So I am 1 of the 1298 waiting.....

[paris]

My dear Richard,  AlohaBeth would be off my hands but then in the hands of one of the nicest gentleman I think I have ever known.    (Chris, Sluff and Ken---You are right there at the top with Richard)   

If love and respect could make it happen, you would have your kidney tonight!  In the meantime, lots hugs!   

[RichardMEL]

awwww *blush*

 

[monrein]

And Paris, you would then have a second home in Oz.  Very classy indeed.     

[paris]

Monrein,  you have figured out my real plan!! 

[Wattle]

So I am 1 of the 1298 waiting.....

Me too.   

[pelagia]

I'd like to "third" that, if I may.  Richard, 2009 will be the year you get your freedom back!  We'll even throw you a party once you're back on your feet! 

    

We'll all come down there to throw you a party.    Do you have enough space for the sleepover? 

[RichardMEL]

NO!! I only have one bed and that's mostly taken up by the 4 legged mistress of the house!! LOL

if it happens I certainly want to come to the US and partake in an IHD event.. it is on the list!!