AN information day for kidney patients organised by the Clare branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) attracted a great deal of interest from health professionals and service users last weekend.

In fact, kidney patients from Mayo, Limerick, Tipperary and Clare and health workers from different dialysis units attended the seminar in the West County Hotel, Ennis on Saturday.
The branch, which promotes the use of the organ donor card, celebrates 20 years in existence this year.
Consultant nephrologist at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick and Fresenius, Limerick, Liam Casserly, gave a presentation on the progression of chronic kidney disease, treatment of hypertension and diabetes and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle for the management of kidney disease.
The attendance included about 60 pre-dialysis, dialysis, transplant recipients and carers.
Renal nurse co-ordinator, Brid Collins and staff nurse, Freda Shannon from Miltown Malbay presented information on the different type of treatments for kidney failure such as a kidney transplant, home dialysis and haemodialysis in hospital.
They told the attendance that a kidney transplant was considered the best treatment in the long term and also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the other treatments.
Brid Collins pointed out dialysis patients needed to be aware of the different choices     that were available to them.
“Some people’s medical condition dictates what kind of treatment they need,” she explained.
Senior dietician at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Limerick, Gillian Quinlan, gave a presentation about the diet a patient should adhere to while they were on dialysis.
Beaumont Hospital transplant co-ordinator, Aileen Counihan, explained that there is a two to three-year waiting list for kidney transplants because of the increasing number of patients on dialysis. However, she stressed it was important for patients not to put their life on hold while they were waiting for a transplant.
IKA chief executive officer, Mark Murphy, provided a comprehensive report on the work of this vital national organisation.
IKA co-ordinator of counselling, Mike Kelly spoke about learning to cope with kidney disease for patients and families.
There are at least 40 kidney transplant recipients in Clare thanks to the generosity of donors.
Clare branch treasurer Peggy Eustace said it was great that kidney patients got the opportunity to meet with a consultant and nurse outside of the usual hospital setting.
Ms Eustace said that the patients appreciated all the time and effort given freely by the health professionals, which contributed to the success of the day.
“The purpose of the event was to provide patients with the latest up-to-date information on how they could cope better with their condition. The IKA was set up to provide a wide range of support and assistance to patients and their families.
“The association wants to ensure that as many patients are treated nearer to their own homes as far as possible,” she said.