Yesterday, The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress visited the Renal Unit at York Hospital to find out more about the work of the team and the self-care equipment that this year’s appeal will towards funding.

York Teaching Hospital Charity has been chosen as one of the Lord Mayor’s Charities of the Year. The funds raised from this appeal will go towards purchasing a new life-saving haemodialysis machine for patients in York.

Chief Executive Patrick Crowley, Sister Janet King and Dr Border, lead clinician for renal services, showed the Mayor and Mayoress around the unit, explaining about the work of the team.  

Janet explained: “When a patient undergoes dialysis they can be attached to a dialysis machine for four hours, up to four times a week.

“Currently patients in York have to come into the hospital, where there will be dialysing, with varying levels of dependence on professionals along with the buzz of doctors, nurses and visitors on the ward.

“With the support of the funds raised from the Lord Mayor’s charity, we plan to purchase a new machine for the Self Care Dialysis Unit that we are opening.

“This will allow renal patients in York to manage their own dialysis, giving them greater control over their treatment and the freedom to dialyse when it’s suitable for them.”

Dr Border said: “We enjoyed welcoming the Mayor and Mayoress to the Renal Unit.

“The York unit cares for 72 chronic haemodialysis patients. The development of a Self Care Unit will make a difference to those wanting the independence that this treatment option brings.”

Throughout his year in office, the Lord Mayor has planned many fundraising events to support York Teaching Hospital and York Against Cancer.  A number of successful events have already been held and the amount raised to date is £12,784.95.

16 December 2014