A simple but potentially life-saving device will be given to more than a thousand kidney patients in Wales, thanks to a £1,000 donation from the Masonic Benevolent Fund South Wales in support of Kidney Wales. Thanks to them Kidney Wales have been able to order more fistula cap keyrings.
Although life threatening bleeds are rare, it is hoped that all patients who are at risk of life-threatening bleeds, possibly from a failed fistula or graft, to be fully prepared and aware of what to do if this was to happen. The simple rubber ‘bottle cap keyring’ can be pressed over the bleed to stem the flow of blood, and buy the patient valuable time to dial 999 before they potentially bleed to death.
Emma Roberts, Vascular Access Nurse Specialist for Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board explains how to use a fistula cap – watch the video here.
Graham Evans, a patient from Mold Dialysis Unit said: “The life-threatening bleed pack and information given to me at the dialysis unit gave me peace of mind that if I was to bleed away from the unit, I have something that could help. I have the bottle top keyring attached to my keys.”
Bethany Williams-Porter of Kidney Wales said: “Kidney Wales was pleased to welcome Martyn Ridge and Phil Saunders, of the Masonic Benevolent Fund South Wales, to meet the team and learn about Kidney Wales and our kidney community. Organisations such as the Masonic Benevolent Fund South Wales, help us bring projects like this to life for our kidney community here in Wales, and we are so grateful for their support. Your donations make improving patient care and wellbeing, helping them feel prepared for any eventuality that could be ahead relating to their condition, possible.”
“Last year we launched a project where we are conducting kidney awareness talks for organisations / community groups and schools. The talks are around 30 – 45 minutes, and can be hosted online or in person where possible and is conducted by someone living with, or affected by Kidney Disease, and we would be delighted to extend these presentations to any Lodges within the Province of South Wales.”
The talk will cover the following:
- Kidney Health and its importance for everyone.
- What our kidneys do.
- Kidney Disease.
- Dialysis and transplantation.
- An account of lived experience with Kidney disease from the speaker.
- A bit about the work of Kidney Wales and how you can get involved.
This will improve understanding on kidney disease and the importance of kidney health for everyone, but also help raise awareness of kidney disease and its impacts on patients and families.
# # #
Main photograph: WBro. Phillip Saunders (Provincial Charity Steward), Bethany Williams-Potter (Kidney Wales), WBro. Martyn Ridge (Trustee, Masonic Benevolent Fund), Ross Evans (Kidney Wales).