ORGAN DONOR WEEK AWARENESS - 27th March 3rd April
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ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK 27th March 3rd April
Editorial... I
In the Winter issue of SUPPORT, to improve COVID-19 vaccinations
my editorial began with thanking priority for transplant and dialysis
the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) patients.
community for its support on the While it is a decision between
death of my father. So, it seems patients and their healthcare
surreal, to once again be thanking professionals on whether to
the IKA community for its support on vaccinate, we wanted to ensure that
the death of my mother who died in patients had the choice. We liaised
January. I took time away from work, directly with healthcare professionals
as we cared for her at home until she and joined with patient advocacy
died. The Staff and Officers covered group IPPOSI and international
for me and supported me, so that I colleagues.
could be with her. This greatly eased Our Board sent a letter to the
the burden of what was a very Minister for Health and key decision
difficult time for me and my family. makers. We involved the media and
Too often, families, including many facilitated people to share their
in the IKA community, have stories which highlighted how our
experienced grief, made worse by the community had been
fact that they could not be with their disproportionately disadvantaged.
loved ones who died alone in nursing We developed parliamentary
homes. It shows how far, as a society, questions (PQs) for the Oireachtas.
we have to go in valuing and We hosted an online forum for
respecting people’s dignity and basic Branches to give feedback. When it
human rights. looked as if change was not going to
It is a great comfort to me, that I happen, we set up an easy-to-use
work for an organisation which ‘gets online tool so that patients could
it’ and understands how our loved email their local TDs. Using this tool
ones must come first and that people over 9,000 emails were sent to public
deserve to be treated with dignity. representatives, and, working
I received so many lovely messages collectively, our concerns could no
of kindness and support, and for that longer be ignored.
I am most grateful. Priorities for the vaccination roll-
My deepest condolences to so out were changed, renal patients and
many of you, who have also all transplant recipients between the
experienced the death of a loved one ages of 16 to 69 being moved up the
in the last year and beyond. There priority list under the newly assigned
have been too many untimely deaths. Group 4.
Once this pandemic is over, we will In more good news, as we go to
find some way to properly remember print, vaccinations for renal patients
and pay our respects to all those who have commenced, albeit with a
died and whose funerals we could temporary pause for AstraZeneca –
Contents... not attend due to COVID-19.
When I returned to work, my
focus went straight back into trying
FRONT COVER 2 EDITORIAL
welcome news for many of our
readers and their families who have
been cocooning for over a year. You
Mother and 4 COVID-19 VACCINATION BEGINS FOR KIDNEY
daughter Claire PATIENTS IN GROUP 4
(right) and Sophie 8 ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
Cody, who 10 NATIONAL KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SERVICE
underwent a living ANNUAL REPORT 2020
donor kidney 13 IKA AGM 2021
transplant last
13 COVID-19 HAEMODIALYSIS TRANSPORT
November, at their
14 THANK YOU MUM!
local Skerries beach
17 BRIDGING THE GAP
ORGAN promoting Mother’s
DONOR
AWARENESS
WEEK
Day and organ 18 BELIEVE THAT A FURTHER SHORE
27th March
3rd April
donor awareness. IS REACHABLE FROM HERE
Photo: Conor McCabe 20 RAISING THE BAR
2 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021
can find more details in the article on activities that are going on as
page 4-7. you read inside about World
This successful result was based on Kidney Day, plans for Organ
the indisputable evidence we collated Donor Awareness Week (27th
from Irish and international data which March – 3rd April), a patient‘s
showed the increased risks for renal experience of home dialysis, an
patients – dialysis and transplant. individual’s motivation to
Compiling reliable verified data, undertake fundraisers for the
which strengthened our case for IKA, patient reviews of the new
reprioritisation, takes considerable Dialyze clothing range, and
time and effort. Prioritising and branch notes There is also a
communicating our key messages is a competition for gift vouchers for
team effort, and securing media Before this summer, we are renal-friendly ready meals and an
attention in a very busy world can be planning an online members’ session update on organ donation and
challenging. This detailed and time to understand, what is most important transplant statistics.
intensive work may not be very visible to you the members. Is it automatic I am very conscious that many of
to you the members, whom we medical cards, easier access to and our members are not online and may
represent, but it is essential to making more supports for home dialysis, ways not be receiving our emails or taking
a successful case for better services for to expand our kidney transplant part in our online forums. With
our community. treatments or upgrading of dialysis Government services increasingly
It also really helped that so many of units? So, get your thinking caps on. moving online, and the restrictions of
you supported the campaign. It augurs Our Board has also been working COVID-19, such people are at a huge
well for the future, as we can build on really hard, ensuring our organisation disadvantage. So, we have partnered
these strengths and campaign for is compliant with the Charities with Age Action Ireland to provide up
better services and supports once we Governance Code and also taking part to six hours of free computer training,
agree with you, the members, what in an independent review of the for people over 55 years. All you need
are the most important priorities Board’s effectiveness. We are very is a smartphone. More details Page 31.
for you. lucky to have so many committed and I could not finish without
enthusiastic people who are prepared acknowledging, once again, our
Accommodation Phone Number to give so much of their time and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to
energy to the IKA, setting down a road organ donors and donor families. As
map to ensure we are ‘fit for purpose’, we approach Organ Donor Awareness
is NOW the remain successful in the future and Week, their personal stories shared by
way to make a that our members value our services. donor families and transplant
booking in the Given the current pandemic recipients reflect all that is good about
CLAYTON HOTEL conditions, it is difficult for many people.
DUBLIN AIRPORT Branches to hold AGMs. The Board It has been my very real privilege to
(which will be on
the IKA account)
has considered the position and read about their experiences and
agreed AGMs may be deferred. So understand their incredible strength,
through our
there will be no election of Branch giving me and hopefully anybody who
Managers
officers or Board Directors this year. reads them inspiration and hope in a
Patricia, The National AGM will take place on very challenging time.
Frank or the 4th of September. CAROL MOORE
Simon. You’ll see the wide range of CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
23 THANKS A MILLION 42 KIDNEY DISEASE – RUNNING IN THE FAMILY
24 VITAMIN D 45 HOME HAEMO – A PATIENT’S EXPERIENCE
27 TAXI TALES / HEAVEN SENT 46 FATHER HELPS SON RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
28 SOCIAL MEDIA & COMMUNICATION 47 21 DAY WALKING CHALLENGE
30 POSITIVE STEPS TO NAVIGATE YOUR 48 DIALIZE CLOTHING
WELLBEING THROUGH COVID-19 50 CORK WOMAN OPENS UP ABOUT HER SECOND
31 OVER 55 AND FEELING LEFT OUT ONLINE? LIFE-SAVING KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
32 THE FORGOTTEN YOUTH 52 BOOK REVIEW
33 LAUREN’S PLEA 53 ‘ONCE MORE WITH FEELING’
34 WATERFORD HEALING ARTS TRUST 54 AROUND THE BRANCHES
36 CORK SISTERS DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES 62 MEMBERSHIP FORM
38 MEALS4HEALTH 63 BRANCH SECRETARIES
40 ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ 64 ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK POSTER
IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021 3
C VID-19
VACCINATI
TION
COVID-19
begins for
vaccine
Lorem ipsum dolor sit am met, consectetur
adipiscing elit. Duis eu sem
pulvinar mau
mper turpis, non
uris.
kidney patients
We have been working hard on
in GROUP 4
KIDNEY PATIENTS: PRIORITY FOR VACCINATION
your behalf, to improve the Criteria Group 1 Group 3 Revised Revised Revised
priority assigned to kidney Group 4 Group 5 Group 7
Very high risk High risk High risk
patients for COVID-19
Over 65 years and resident in
vaccination. Obviously, your longterm care
decision to be vaccinated rests
between you and your 70 years and older
healthcare professionals. On dialysis and aged between
This work includes liaising 1669 years
directly with healthcare eGFR less than 15ml/min and
professionals, international aged between 1669 years
colleagues and politicians. We eGFR less than 30ml/min and
aged between 6569 years
set up an easy-to-use online tool
eGFR less than 30ml/min and
so that patients could email their aged between 1664 years
local TDs. 9,142 emails have
Have received transplant and
been sent and we have now aged between 1669 years
ceased using the platform. Listed for transplant and aged
The prioritisation has been between 1669 years
reviewed and the following
Vaccinations have already started for next few weeks. For logistical reasons, in
gives an overview of the revised
people in group one and two (green some cases the location may not be your
priorities for kidney patients. columns) with these groups attending hospital or clinic but may instead be in
their GPs for vaccinations. another public place such as a hotel.
STOP PRESS The very good news is that vaccinations
are now being offered to people in the
People do not need to do anything, the
HSE or your healthcare team will contact
As we go to print, the AstraZeneca
vaccination programme has just revised Group 4 (brown column). you when it is your turn to be vaccinated.
been temporarily paused. The HSE ask for your patience on this
We are planning an online ARRANGEMENTS FOR REVISED as it will take a number of weeks to
information event which will be GROUP 4 identify, contact and arrange vaccinations
recorded and made available on If you are in this Group 4, vaccinations for people who meet the criteria to be in
our website. So visit our website
are being organised by your hospital or this revised Group 4. Overall, there are
for up-to-date information.
dialysis unit, who will be in touch over the 150,000 people in this Group 4.
4 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021
The National Renal Office are If you have had an immediate
recommending people take the allergic reaction to any other vaccine
AstraZeneca vaccine. or injectable therapy, you should talk
THE COVID-19 to your doctor before getting your
VACCINATION IS FREE. SECOND DOSE OF VACCINATION COVID-19 vaccine.
WHEN CONTACTED FOR YOUR You will be contacted for the
VACCINATION APPOINTMENT, second vaccination, which will be due REVISED GROUPS 5 AND 7
YOU WILL NEVER BE ASKED (per the manufacturer’s instructions) Planning for these groups is under
12 weeks after the first dose is given. way with further details on whether
FOR PERSONAL BANK OR The risk of being admitted to hospital GPs or hospitals will deliver the
CREDIT CARD DETAILS. with severe COVID-19 is reduced by vaccinations to come shortly.
94%, 4 to 5 weeks after just one dose For those patients falling into the
of the AstraZeneca vaccine. eGFR groups (explained below) it is
important you and your healthcare
DO NOT GET COVID-19 VACCINE professionals know your eGFR, as this
IF YOU: will ensure you obtain the correct
Different arrangements will apply
• have had a severe allergic reaction priority.
for different allocation groups and
to any of the ingredients in the GPs are currently giving the
these are being planned at the
vaccine, including polyethylene vaccine to Group 1 and 2. Many GPs
moment. glycol (found in the Pfizer/BioNTech have created a standby list in case
and Moderna vaccines) or people do not turn up for their
WHICH VACCINE? polysorbate 80 (found in the appointments.
At this stage, the vaccine being AstraZeneca vaccine) – the If you can travel to your GP within
given to Group 4 is AstraZeneca. The vaccinator will ask you about any 30 minutes, let your GP know this and
National Immunisation Advisory allergies you may have ask to be placed on their cancellation
Committee (NIAC) has advised any of or standby list.
• have had a severe allergic reaction
the approved vaccines are suitable for
to a previous dose of the vaccine
use for patients in this group and that WHAT IS eGFR?
the priority was to offer an effective • currently have COVID-19 or
eGFR - Estimated glomerular
vaccine as quickly as possible. symptoms of COVID-19 – wait until
filtration rate is the best test to
NIAC had also advised that it was it has been 4 weeks since you first
measure your level of kidney function
preferable for kidney patients to get noticed symptoms, or you first
and determine your stage of kidney
the mRNA vaccine if was available tested positive
disease. Your doctor can calculate it
soon. The reason for this, was because • have symptoms of COVID-19 – self-
from the results of your blood
NIAC considered that there was a isolate (stay in your room) and
creatinine test, your age, body size
better chance of a stronger immune phone your GP to get tested
and gender.
response to the mRNA vaccine in • have a fever (temperature of 38°C The image below shows how eGFR
kidney patients. or above) – wait until you feel is used to determine the stage of
However, the HSE has looked into better. kidney disease.
this and found that all the available continued next page...
deliveries of mRNA vaccine for the
next few weeks are committed to the mg/mmol mg/mmol mg/mmol
group of people aged 70 years and
older. It would take weeks before G1 Normal
or high
>
there was mRNA vaccine available for 90
kidney patients and it is safer to go
ahead as soon as possible with the G2 Mildly
decreased
60
90
AstraZeneca vaccine. Vaccinations for
GFR Stages
kidney patients have now started. Mildly to
Many of you will know that the first G3a moderately 45
research study of the AstraZeneca
decreased 59
Moderately
vaccine showed protection of about
60%, however, further studies
G3b to severely 30
44
decreased
showed higher protection (above
80% in the most recent study), and G4 Severely
decreased
15
29
all of the vaccines, which require
two doses 12 weeks apart, provided
excellent protection against severe G5 Kidney
failure
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS continued... So, if you are not in any priority FUTURE UPDATES
group yet, this may change in the We are working closely with the
16 TO 17-YEAR-OLDS future. HSE to get answers to all your
Planning is underway to see how The speed at which researchers and questions. To ensure we keep you
the Pfizer vaccine will be administered healthcare professionals are working is updated, make sure you are on our
to this group. This is the only vaccine inspiring. Expect further news and email list.
currently licensed for this group. developments, with the situation
constantly changing.
UNDER 16-YEAR-OLDS
International clinical trials are under MISLEADING INFORMATION
way to see how safe and effective There is a significant amount of
these vaccines are for children. vaccination misinformation circulating,
so we urge you to only consult
NOT IN ANY PRIORITY GROUP? reputable sources. For up-to-date information go to
The NIAC has stated: “This You might find the following www.hse.ie/covid19vaccinematerials
guidance will be subject to ongoing sources useful:
review as more evidence becomes
available, about COVID-19 vaccines, • National Renal Office (https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/renal/resources/)
their safety, efficacy, effectiveness,
impact on virus transmission and • HSE information on vaccination (https://www2.hse.ie/covid-19-vaccine/)
population immunity, and as new
• The European Society for organ transplantation – COVID 19 vaccines studies
vaccines are authorised by the
https://new.esot.org/the-covid-19-vaccine-studies/?fbclid=IwAR2qN0NYlJMmsil_
European Medicines Agency (EMA)
gJXUiLKllVCJ3HkPlImNPyjQmno6ccPCIkbIFV8ByeA
and become available in Ireland.
Different weighting may need to be • Transplant Australia webinar on vaccination (2nd half more relevant)
given to different values and priority of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPjrHYTCi_Y
ranking as more evidence emerges.”
COMING OUT OF HIBERNATION
After cocooning for over a
year, there was almost a
palpable sense of relief
amongst the renal
community when the
COVID-19 vaccination rollout
for many in Group 4 finally
began in the second week in
March.
Members of this 'very high
risk' renal community, from
all over the country, proudly John Moran, Dublin Ned Crowe, Waterford with his wife, vaccination nurse Deirdre
posted photos of themselves
receiving their long-awaited
first vaccine dose on social
media and WhatsApp
groups.
The programme for the
AstraZeneca vaccine came to
a sudden temporary halt, as
a precautionary measure,
due to inconclusive concerns
reported around potential
side effects. Stephen Byrne, Kerry
6 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021
COMING OUT OF HIBERNATION
Phelim Pritchard, Cavan Emma O’Sullivan, Limerick Eoin Hurley, Waterford
Betty Deering, Co. Offaly Harry Ward, Dublin Oisin O’Gorman, Waterford
Denis Hyland, Cork William O'Sullivan, Kildare Raymo O’Brien, Galway
IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021 7
Irish and Polish. We are embracing our
Angeline Ball, heritage by including posters
Actress and singer translated into Irish. The poster has
and aunt of a also been produced in Polish to reach
liver transplant recipient out to this large community. According
to the last census in 2016 Poland is the
largest non-Irish population in Ireland.
All posters are available digitally and
can be downloaded from the IKA’s
www.ika.ie/donorweek2021
The words #Life is a Gift, Pass it On
encapsulates the transient beauty of
the ‘gift of life’ underpinned by the
selfless generosity of human spirit. The
importance of discussion with loved
ones about organ donation and
sharing your wishes is the cornerstone
of campaign messages. This decision
for families to donate a loved one’s
organs is made easier when they know
they are honouring their wishes i.e.
their wish to ‘Pass it On’. Research
The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) is pleased that the annual Organ Donor indicates families are more likely to
Awareness Week will proceed and take place from 27th March until 3rd April 2021. donate when they know they are
following the wishes of their loved
A
year ago, the 2020 campaign campaign, made us find other exciting
was postponed and ultimately ways to run the campaign in a safe one.
cancelled at short notice due way some of which are outlined here. Moving away this year from
safety concerns when COVID-19 The focus of all the IKA’s organ featuring a photo of a celebrity
reached our shores. This impacted on donor awareness campaigns lies in ambassador on the Awareness Week
our ability to have a physical presence emphasising the importance of poster, this campaign poster carries the
‘on the ground’ to promote organ discussion around organ donation i.e. Life is a Gift, Pass it On theme and
donor awareness and the annual have the conversation #have the chat. features photos of 32 grateful
Awareness Week campaign. The This year’s campaign will be built transplants recipients (including heart,
necessity to social distance also hugely around the theme #Life is a Gift Pass it lung, liver, kidney and pancreas).
negatively impacted on our ability to On and Share your wishes. These These people are enjoying over 400
raise funds during what is normally our feature on campaign materials years of extra life thanks to the gift
flagship fundraising week. It was not including campaign posters. The of organ donation from deceased
safe for volunteer collectors, many in campaign full colour posters are donors.
the high-risk category for COVID-19, available in three languages, English, Similar to the Awareness Week
to have a physical presence on
the streets and in shopping AN TSEACHTAIN FEASACHTA I TYDZIEŃ ŚWIADOMOŚCI
centres in towns and villages LEITH DEONTÓIRÍ ORGÁN DAWCÓW NARZĄDÓW
DÉ SATHAIRN 27 MÁRTA - DÉ SATHAIRN 3 AIBREÁN SOBOTA 27 MARCA – SOBOTA 3 KWIETNIA
around the country. BRONNADH AN BHEATHA AR NA DAOINE SEO AR FAD WSZYSCY CI LUDZIE OTRZYMALI ‘DAR ŻYCIA’
As COVID-19 still prevails a THOMAS, LUNG, 2016 tara, liver, 2012 mick, heart, 2017 AINE MAE, KIDNEY/PANCREAS, 2017 paul, lung, 2013 keela, heart, 2009 ken, heart, 2016 anna, duán, 2017 tara, ae, 2012 mick, croí, 2017 AINE MAE, DUÁN/PAINCRÉAS, 2017 paul, scamhóg, 2013 keela, croí, 2009 ken, croí, 2016 anna, nerka, 2017 tara, wątroba, 2012 mick, serce, 2017 AINE MAE, NERKA/TRZUSTKA, 2017 paul, płuca, 2013 keela, serce, 2009 ken, serce, 2016
year later, and it looks like it will
be around for some time, we VERA, LUNG, 1988/KIDNEY, 2009 JASON, KIDNEY, 2006 GINA, heart, 2015 MIKE, LIVER, 2007 SUSAN, KIDNEY, 2019 NARENDER, KIDNEY, 2018 CATHRIONA, KIDNEY, 1990 VERA, SCAMHÓG, 1988/DUÁN, 2009 JASON, DUÁN, 2006 GINA, croí, 2015 MIKE, AE, 2007 SUSAN, DUÁN, 2019 NARENDER, DUÁN, 2018 CATHRIONA, DUÁN, 1990 VERA, PŁUCA, 1988/NERKA, 2009 JASON, NERKA, 2006 GINA, serce, 2015 MIKE, WĄTROBA, 2007 SUSAN, NERKA, 2019 NARENDER, NERKA, 2018 CATHRIONA, NERKA, 1990
have decided to proceed with BRONNTANAS NA BEATHA #ŻYCIE JEST DAREM
an Organ Donor Awareness lexi, liver/kidney, 2016 tony, liver, 1993 LEXI MURPHY, LIVER/KIDNEY, ? YEARS val kennedy, LUNG, 2016 MARY VERBRUGGAN, KIDNEY, 2017 eddie, kidney, 1983 bernadette, kidney, 1979 lexi, ae/duán, 2016 tony, ae, 1993 CUIR AR AGHAIDH É eddie, duán, 1983 bernadette, duán, 1979 lexi, wątroba/nerka, 2016 tony, wątroba, 1993 PRZEKAZ JE DALEJ
LEXI MURPHY, WĄTROBA/NERKA, ? YEARS val kennedy, PŁUCA, 2016 MARY VERBRUGGAN, NERKA, 2017 eddie, nerka, 1983 bernadette, nerka, 1979
Week campaign this year but edel, liver, 2018 PAUL, KIDNEY, 2008 claire, KIDNEY, 2014 darragh, kidney, 2013 saoirse, liver, 2014 cliona, heart, 2014 paul, kidney, 2003 claire, DUÁN, 2014 PAUL, DUÁN, 2008 THOMAS, SCAMHÓG, 2016 darragh, duán, 2013 saoirse, ae, 2014 cliona, croí, 2014 paul, duán, 2003 claire, NERKA, 2014 PAUL, NERKA, 2008 THOMAS, PŁUCA, 2016 darragh, nerka, 2013 saoirse, wątroba, 2014 cliona, serce, 2014 paul, nerka, 2003
with most of our activities
online. Being forced to move rachel, kidney, 1996 isabel, heart/lung, 2017 bernard ÓG, KIDNEY, 2016 AOIFE, LIVER, 2015 VAL, LUNG, 2016 PRANATHI, HEART, 2017 ANGELINE, KIDNEY, 1996 rachel, duán, 1996 isabel, croí/scamhóg, 2017 bernard ÓG, DUÁN, 2016
NÍOS MÓ NÁ 400+ BLIAIN BHREISE DEN BHEATHA A BHUÍOCHAS LE DEONÚ ORGÁN
AOIFE, AE, 2015 VAL, SCAMHÓG, 2016 PRANATHI, CROÍ, 2017 ANGELINE, DUÁN, 1996 rachel, nerka, 1996 isabel, serce/płuca, 2017
PONAD 400+ LAT DODATKOWEGO ŻYCIA DZIĘKI ODDANIU NARZĄDÓW
bernard ÓG, NERKA, 2016 AOIFE, WĄTROBA, 2015 VAL, PŁUCA, 2016 PRANATHI, SERCE, 2017 ANGELINE, NERKA, 1996
away from the traditional Roinn do chuid mianta Podziel się swoimi życzeniami
methods we previously Suíomh:
LE CÁRTAÍ DEONTÓRA ORGÁN A FHÁIL
CUIR TÉACS SAOR IN AISCE LEIS AN Internetowej:
W PRZYPADKU KART DAWCÓW
NARZĄDÓW WYŚLIJ SMS O TREŚCI
employed, for the annual Fón:
UIMHIR CHLÁRAITHE CHARTHANACHTA:20011260 BHFOCAL DONOR GO 50050 Telefon:
NR REJESTRACYJNY ORGANIZACJI CHARYTATYWNEJ: 20011260 DONOR POD NUMER 50050
8 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021
Tomas Caffrey (21), a liver transplant recipient Kidney patient John Egan
(30), a former
Westmeath
Senior footballer
dated poster, a
ORGAN DONORS which celebrates organ donation, employed: #LifeIsAGift,
generic poster
is also SAVE LIVES SHARE YOUR WISHES
ALL OF THESE PEOPLE RECEIVED THE ‘GIFT OF LIFE’
symbolising the hope organ
donors provide to patients in
#DonorWeek21 and tagging the Irish
Kidney Association (@IrishKidneyAs on
available need and their families. By Twitter, @IrishKidneyA on Instagram &
which can be THOMAS, LUNG, 2016 tara, liver, 2012
lighting up public sites in green
mick, heart, 2017 AINE MAE, KIDNEY/PANCREAS, 2017 paul, lung, 2013 keela, heart, 2009 ken, heart, 2016
@IrishKidneyAssociation on Facebook).
used all year VERA, LUNG, 1988/KIDNEY, 2009 JASON, KIDNEY, 2006
we are drawing attention to
GINA, heart, 2015 MIKE, LIVER, 2007 SUSAN, KIDNEY, 2019 NARENDER, KIDNEY, 2018 CATHRIONA, KIDNEY, 1990
We also encourage our members
round. This organ donation being an integral and the wider public to support the
includes an lexi, liver/kidney, 2016 tony, liver, 1993 part of active citizenship and that
MARIE, KIDNEY/PANCREAS, 2011 KEVIN, HEART, 2014 deirdre, Heart/Lung 1996, Kidney 2009/2017 eddie, kidney, 1983 bernadette, kidney, 1979 campaign by organising their own
additional ten we should have the family socially distanced awareness activities
transplant discussion about our organ and challenges. As well as generating
edel, liver, 2018 PAUL, KIDNEY, 2008 claire, KIDNEY, 2014 darragh, kidney, 2013 saoirse, liver, 2014 cliona, heart, 2014 paul, kidney, 2003
recipients who, GARRETT, LUNG, 2013/2014
donor wishes.
sandra, liver, 2003/2017 stephen, lung, 2013 noretta, kidney, 2018 sinead, liver, 2011 rose, kidney, 2000 elizabeth, liver, 2006
organ donor awareness, some of these
between From dusk to dawn over 30 might incorporate a fundraising aspect
them, are rachel, kidney, 1996
520+ YEARS OF EXTRA LIFE THANKS TO ORGAN DONATION
locations
isabel, heart/lung, 2017
will be lit up in green,
bernard ÓG, KIDNEY, 2016 AOIFE, LIVER, 2015 VAL, LUNG, 2016 PRANATHI, HEART, 2017 ANGELINE, KIDNEY, 1996
where funds can be channelled
enjoying more Website:
Phone:
undoubtedly prompting much
www.ika.ie
0818-543639
FOR ORGAN DONOR CARDS
FREE TEXT
through online platforms such as
DONOR 50050
than 520 years discussion around organ
CHARITY REGISTRATION NO. 20011260 TO
Facebook or GoFundMe or asking
of extra life. donation. people to donate directly to the IKA
The online national launch for We are encouraging lots of sharing through its website platform
Organ Donor Awareness Week 2021 of messages in support of organ www.ika.ie/donorweek2021
on Tuesday 23rd March included video donation on social media and will be Some people commenced a 21 Day
presentations by transplant recipients prompting some of these through Walking Challenge on World Kidney
and a deceased donor family sharing videos. Day (11th March) which would
their health stories. The videos were Well-known personalities and Irish conveniently conclude during Organ
recorded at different locations around diaspora from around the world, Donor Awareness Week. The beauty of
the country in advance and will be (including New Zealand, Malaysia, the challenge is that you can chose to
rolled out on the IKA’s social media Australia, Canada, America, Europe commence it at any time but commit
around the Week. and South Africa), who have been to doing it on 21 consecutive days.
For the very first time, touched by organ donation, have While undertaking it we encourage
demonstrating widescale solidarity in come behind the videos of passing on people to post photos of their progress
support of organ donation, a large the organ donor card. online whilst giving a mention to
number of County and City Councils The talented and widely acclaimed Organ Donor Awareness Week. More
around the country have committed to actress and singer Angeline Ball is details on this Walking Challenge are
lighting up public sites at night in the lending her support to this initiative as on page 47.
colour green. Green is the it is a cause close to her heart. Her The IKA is grateful to the Irish
internationally recognised colour niece Saoirse Perry underwent a liver Pharmacy Union for distributing our
The Mansion House, Dublin transplant. Former awareness posters to 1,850
ambassadors for organ pharmacies around the country. The
donor awareness, who poster will also be a background star
feature on the videos on the RTÉ Faircity set for some of the
promoting Life is a Gift, Pass scenes output during Awareness
it On, include Vivienne Week. For three weeks’ leading up to
Traynor, Mary Kennedy and and including Organ Donor Awareness
Ray D’Arcy. Week Adshel poster sites, located in
In social media posts 30 shopping centres around the
promoting Organ Donor country, displayed the campaign
Awareness Week the poster. A full list of sites is available on
following hashtags were the IKA website.
IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021 9
MAP OF HAEMODIALYSIS UNITS USED BY PATIENTS
FROM THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
AND DIALYSIS PATIENT NUMBERS AS OF 31/12/20
60 Derry
5
57
Newry
63
70
99
76
B Braun 97
67 Galway B Braun
Portlaoise
22
Tipperary Fresenius
North Kilkenny
132 61
B Braun
82 Fresenius Tipperary Wexford
Limerick South
56 44 Fresenius
89 Northern
116 Cross
169
84 5
168 72
106 112
Sandyford
Tallaght 102
10 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021CHRONIC DIALYSIS & TRANSPLANT PATIENTS - 31/12/20
Dialysis Facility HAEMO HOME DIALYSIS TOTAL DIALYSIS TRANSPLANT TOTAL ESKD
ADULTS HD HHD PD PATIENTS AT CLINIC PATIENTS
Beaumont 169 20 54 243 782 1025
Mater 84 9 93 135 228
Fresenius Northern Cross 89 89 89
Beacon Drogheda 99 99 99
Cavan 63 63 19 82
St. Vincent’s 72 6 78 170 248
Beacon Sandyford 112 112 112
Tallaght Hospital 106 4 57 167 339 506
Beacon Tallaght 102 102 102
Tullamore 97 97 65 162
B Braun Portlaoise 22 22 22
Cork 168 18 30 216 391 607
Waterford 116 2 33 151 186 337
Fresenius Kilkenny 61 61 61
B Braun Wexford 44 44 44
Tralee 56 56 56
Limerick 132 11 14 157 136 293
Fresenius Limerick 82 82 82
Galway 76 3 22 101 232 333
B Braun Galway 67 67 67
Castlebar 70 70 70
Letterkenny 60 60 77 137
Sligo 57 57 34 91
Northern Ireland 5 5 5
ADULT TOTALS 2009 58 225 2292 2566 4858
CHILDREN Temple St, Crumlin 5 13 18 55 73
OVERALL TOTALS 2014 58 238 2310 2621 4931
A
s of December 31st, 2020 there The percentage of patients on home hospitals are working to
were 4,931 people with End Stage therapies (peritoneal dialysis and home increase their capacity to offer
Kidney Disease (ESKD) registered in haemodialysis) continues to remain these treatments.
Ireland. With 53.2% of these living comparatively low with a total of only With one-third of centre-
with a functioning kidney transplant, 6% of the ESKD population being treated based dialysis being delivered
Ireland continues to be one of the few in this way. The COVID-19 pandemic has by commercial providers, the
countries in Europe with over half of its seen an increased interest in home HSE has to be careful not to
ESKD population being treated with a therapies from patients and it is lose sight of the need to have
functioning transplant. encouraging to hear that some of the the capacity to offer home
therapies. World Kidney Day
IRISH DIALYSIS PATIENTS - 31/12/20 in March had the theme
Patients % ‘Living Well with Kidney
Centre Haemodialysis 2014 87.2 Disease’ and this includes
patients having the choice of
Home Haemodialysis 58 2.5 the optimal form of
Peritoneal Dialysis 238 10.3 treatment.
Total Dialysis Patients: 2310 100 2020 was a unique year for
so many reasons. We saw the
IRISH ESKD PATIENTS - 31/12/20 number of people living with
a functioning transplanted
Patients % PMP kidney actually drop. It may
Transplanted 2621 53.2 527 have only been by 4 but when
Centre Haemodialysis 2014 40.8 405 we are used to seeing
increases in the range of +/-
Peritoneal Dialysis 238 4.8 48
100, it is significant and a
Home Haemodialysis 58 1.2 12 reminder that we need to re-
Total ESKD Patients: 4931 100 992 double our efforts to promote
PMP = Per Million of Population Population 4,977,400 continued next page ©
IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021 11continued...
organ donation amongst the looking at the bigger Over half of all patients, haemodialysis is absorbed
public whilst also advocating picture. There needs to be 53.15% (2,621) are mainly by the contracted
for increased resources to an understanding of the transplanted. I cannot satellite units which more
support greater rates of reasons behind the emphasise enough how than doubled in patients
transplantation. disproportionate growth in few countries there are and, over the years, went
The number of patients people with ESKD to with this high level of from 5 to 9 new centres
with ESKD continues its understand how to transplant versus dialysis across the country. Home
inexorable climb as we address it. patients. It is the pride of haemodialysis has hovered
reached 4,931. We are now Only 296 (12.81%) our renal services and around 50 patients in
looking at an incidence of patients are on ‘home making the transplant recent years and peritoneal
recorded ESKD of 1-in-1000 therapies’ across the figure even better is a goal around 200 or so.
of our national population country. I expect that more everyone aspires to. The overall growth of
or 0.1%. That may seem people will consider the The one-year changes patients from 3,699 to
insignificant in the larger options of peritoneal and show 60 extra 4,931 (33%) in the ten-
scheme of things but it home haemodialysis in the haemodialysis patients and years was expected and
means ‘everything’ for those future, if they are deemed 97 more transplant there is no reason to
affected by ESKD. It is suitable, however the patients at clinic. The ten- believe that the level of
noteworthy that the cost of reality is that not year comparisons which annual growth of 3.3%
treatment is everyone is. highlight the growth in will not continue.
disproportionate to the
number of patients when ONE-YEAR COMPARISONS
looking at the overall health
TREATMENT 2020 2019 % CHANGE PATIENTS
budget. Previous
CENTRE HAEMODIALYSIS 2014 1933 +4.2% +81
governments have realised
PERITONEAL DIALYSIS 238 211 +12.8% +27
that treatment with a
HOME HAEMODIALYSIS 58 52 +11.5% +6
transplanted kidney is
significantly more cost- TRANSPLANT 2621 2625 -0.15% -4
effective than treatment by ESKD TOTAL 4931 4821 +2.3% +110
dialysis. Investment in
transplantation makes good 10-YEAR COMPARISON RENAL ADULT PATIENTS BY TREATMENT TYPE
sense as it is the gold medal 2020 2010 CHANGE IN NO. CHANGE IN %
standard of treatment for HSE Hospital Renal Unit 1205 1069 +136 +12.7
those suitable for transplant HSE Hospital Satellite Unit 126 144 -18 -12.5
AND it is more cost efficient Commercial Satellite Unit 678 332 +346 +104.2
too. Northern Ireland 5 9 -4 -44.4
Reflecting on the past Home Haemodialysis 58 11 +47 +427.3
decade we have seen
Peritoneal Dialysis 238 206 +32 +15.5
significant growth in the
All Dialysis 2310 1793 +517 +28.8
provision of dialysis by the
Transplant (Adult) 2621 1906 +715 +37.5
commercial providers with
TOTAL ESKD PATIENTS 4931 3699 +1232 +33.3
an increase of 104%. The
dialysis population has gone Population in Ireland 4,977,400 4,470,000 +507,400 +11.4%
up by 29% whilst the
transplant population has
gone up by 37%. NO. OF PATIENTS ON DIALYSIS DECEMBER 2011-2020
The real stand out 2400
observation from the last ten 2310
2300
years is that whilst the
population of our country 2200
No. of Patients
increased by 11.4%, the 2196
2124
number of people with 2100
ESKD increased by 33%. 2015 2075 2074
This can be partly attributed 2000
to improving rates of
diagnosis but at the same 1900
time, it is a worrying trend. 1828 1831 1894
The health service needs to 1800
take this growth into 1795
account when developing 1700
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
renal services nationally and
12 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021Given the current pandemic conditions, it is difficult for many
Branches to hold AGMs. The Board has considered the position
and outline the following arrangements:
1. Branches will defer their AGM until 2022.
2. There will be no election of Officers of branches or Board Directors.
3. Branches may replace Officers of branches and Directors who wish to
stand down.
4. The existing Board and National Officers will remain in place for a
further year.
5. This year’s National AGM will take place on Saturday, September
4th, 2021.
FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE SENT IN DUE COURSE
COVID19
HAEMODIALYSIS TRANSPORT
The Irish Kidney Association is pleased to
confirm the 30c per kilometre, for self-management of
your own transport from your home to your dialysis
centre and return, is now available from the HSE.
F
or the duration of this COVID-19 outbreak, attend their regular haemodialysis sessions only
patients who access their own transport and opt to through their normal channels.
self-drive or engage a family member, friend or Taxi providers under HSE tender who are providing
carer to bring them to their haemodialysis session, are this service have confirmed that they are open for
reminded that they are eligible to claim a stipend from business as usual and have no issue with continuing to
the HSE. They can claim 30c per kilometre travelling
provide this service.
directly to and from the Haemodialysis Parent Renal
Unit or HSE Contracted Haemodialysis Unit that is Eligible journeys: Reimbursement will be made for
closest to their place of residence. Each unit has all patient journeys directly to and from regular
procedures for reimbursement. haemodialysis sessions. On average this will be
Eligible patients will receive a refund for the 6 journeys per week, based on patients attending
reasonable costs of taking their own transport to for 3 times per week dialysis.
IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021 13THANK YOU
By GWEN O’DONOGHUE
W
Mother’s Day this year was extra special for a Dublin woman who donated a kidney to her hen Sophie Cody kissed
ailing teen daughter just three months before. goodbye to her mother
Just three months after their living donor kidney transplant, mother Claire Cody and her Claire, as the teen was
kidney recipient daughter Sophie (14) stepped out on their local strand in Skerries for a admitted to Temple Street
photo opportunity, organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), to celebrate Mother’s Children’s Hospital on Wednesday
Day. The pair celebrated this special day by beginning a 21-Day Walking Challenge, in November 25th, 2020, they both
support of the IKA and organ donation, which they finished at the end of Organ Donor hoped that the next time they would
Awareness Week (27th March – 3rd April). www.ika.ie/donorweek2021 see each other, Sophie would be
successfully transplanted with her
Sophie with her mum’s donor kidney! It would be 17
dad Damian days before mother and daughter
would see each other again on
December 12th and two more days
before Sophie could return home.
On Monday morning, November
30th, 2020, Claire from Skerries,
Dublin was wheeled down to the
operating theatre in Beaumont
Hospital, for the removal of one of her
healthy kidneys by transplant surgeon
Dilly Little. The retrieved kidney was
then fast-tracked across the city to
Temple Street Hospital, where surgeon
Gordon Smith and his team were
waiting to perform the transplant
operation on Sophie.
Sophie’s transplant ended 22
months of upheaval which began in
February 2019, when she was
suddenly catapulted into kidney failure
and hospital dialysis treatment at
Temple Street Hospital.
Her mother Claire described, “it has
been an emotional journey for all our
14 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021family since Sophie’s shock diagnosis
two years ago. Our world was turned
upside down and it took an emotional
toll on Sophie as she was coming into
her teenage years. Then COVID-19
came along and that compounded
our anxiety levels. Sophie went to skin
and bone and she was very pale but
since her transplant she is putting on
weight again and she looks really
healthy now, with colour back in her
cheeks and she has a positive outlook.”
In the days that followed post-
transplant, as visitors were restricted
in both Beaumont and Temple Street
Hospitals due to COVID-19, the
mother and daughter remained in two
different hospitals, eagerly waiting to
be reunited with one another.
Claire explained, “it felt very surreal
when I woke up from my operation.
All I wanted was to see that Sophie
was ok and to hug her but we had to
settle for ‘Facetime’. It was an
emotional reunion for both of us
when I finally got to visit her in Temple Claire left hospital five days after
Street on the same day I was donating her kidney. It was another
discharged from Beaumont, five days 12 days before Sophie returned home,
after my surgery and seventeen days was reunited with her family and they
after I last saw her, as she was could enjoy Christmas Day together,
admitted to Temple Street a few days which was in stark contrast to
prior to her operation. December 25th, 2019 when Sophie
“It is wonderful to
For almost three weeks, Sophie was was very unwell. have Sophie’s health
confined to her hospital room. Relieved that the transplant was a
Obviously, there was very valid safety success, Claire explained, “It is restored and she
reasons for this measure but for our wonderful to have Sophie’s health
14-year-old, with all her renewed restored and she can now enjoy a new can now enjoy a
energy from the successful transplant, lease of life. I was aware that she
she felt isolated and was going could be waiting on the transplant list new lease of life.
‘doolally’ as she longed for the day for a long time. I didn’t want to see
she could finally go home.” her struggle any longer, so I made the
I was aware that
It was a particularly difficult time decision to put myself forward as a she could be waiting
for Damian Cody also, not to be able living donor. I was confident that I was
to visit his wife and with limited visits physically fit enough to undergo the on the transplant
allowed by Temple Street Hospital to operation. I am healthy and go to the
see Sophie, both of them having gym regularly and play tennis also. list for a long time.
undergone major surgery. “I was delighted when we finally
Damien left his wife at the doors of got the results of tests that confirmed I didn’t want to see
Beaumont Hospital the day before her I was a suitable match. But COVID-19
operation and didn’t get to see her temporarily halted the living donor
her struggle any
again until 6 days later. He also was screening process which was to begin longer, so I made
separated from his youngest daughter in March, so we had to wait a few
Amy (11). months before the programme the decision to put
Amy left the family home two restarted.”
weeks before the transplant “Sophie’s kidney failure came about myself forward as a
operations to allow her other family very suddenly in February 2019 when
members to cocoon safely. She stayed she became almost fatally ill, as her living donor.”
with her nanny, Claire’s mother Eileen, blood pressure sky-rocketed. Up until
so that Amy could continue to attend then, it had not been known that her
national school and ensure the safety kidneys hadn’t really developed since
of her family from COVID-19.The birth, and it is thought that this may
physically disconnected family of four have been because she was born nine
kept in touch through phone calls and weeks premature.
video. continued next page...
IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021 15THANK YOU MUM! contd...
Sophie with her younger sister Amy
and their dog Freddy.
“Sophie was put on haemodialysis of vaccines currently lists her among
treatment almost immediately. She the very last in line, in 15th place, to
was just entering her teenage years receive a vaccine. Part of this is
and her life was suddenly turned because the vaccine has not been
upside down. It was difficult for her tested on young teenagers.
and on the rest of her family too as “We are so grateful to the medical,
we felt helpless. We learned to nursing staff and transplant teams at
manage our lives around her illness both Temple Street and Beaumont and
and her regular hospital visits for our transplant surgeons Gordon
dialysis treatment, which were Smyth and Dilly Little and, to the staff
sometimes as much as five days a in Michael’s C Ward in Temple Street
week, for 4 hours at a time. who cared for Sophie when she was
“It was tough on her as her diet receiving dialysis.
and fluid intake were considerably “A big ‘thank you’ to John our taxi
restricted and the normal happy life driver, who ferried Sophie to and from
she had been enjoying was altered the hospital, and also to Paddy Cox of
dramatically. She still attended her Dialyze Clothing, who sent Sophie a
school in Skerries Community College big hamper just before she went to
and was also schooled in Temple hospital for her transplant.
Street on her dialysis days. “I’d also like to thank our extended donation as you never know if,
Sophie said, “I am so grateful to family for their loving care throughout someday, a member of your family will
have received the gift of a kidney from and to our friends and neighbours find themselves in the same situation
my mother and I feel so much better who sent us messages of support. that we suddenly did!
now. I can’t wait for the restrictions “Our thanks also to Sophie’s “We are delighted to support the
and lockdown to be over so that we teachers and the principal at Skerries IKA. It’s really important that Sophie
can celebrate properly with our friends Community School for supporting her. learns to empower herself to look
and family. For Mother’s Day, we will We also would like to acknowledge after her kidney health and get the
pamper mam, we will make the most how supportive the staff at Brady’s best out of her life as a kidney
of being together and my dad will pharmacy in Skerries have been for transplant patient. Now that her diet
cook for us.” Sophie’s medication needs. and fluid intake is no longer restricted,
Claire remarked, “We have both “I was lucky to be a suitable donor she is embracing a healthy diet and
recovered well since our operations to Sophie but there are many other taking her life-long anti-rejection
and are grateful that Sophie is back to children and adults who don’t have drugs. She is participating in her Zoom
good health. However, the challenge the opportunity for a living donor, and classes with Skerries Community
now is to keep her safe as she will be they remain on transplant waiting College as she prepares for her Junior
taking immune suppressants for the lists. Two years ago, we had no idea Cert, keeping up a social life with her
rest of her life. that Sophie would experience organ pals online and we both take regular
“Sophie is in the extremely high-risk failure and that’s why I would exercise together walking our pet dog
category for COVID-19, as the rollout encourage people to consider organ Freddie.”
16 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021By AOIFE SMITH
END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE and MENTAL HEALTH
BRIDGING THE GAP
R
ecently I was contacted by Clodagh Cogley by Clodagh, as part of a research PhD
Clodagh Cogley of St. Vincent’s in University College Dublin and would
Hospital to ask if I was encourage you, if you meet the criteria
interested in supporting below, to get in contact with Clodagh.
research for patients with end stage Clodagh would like to hear the
kidney disease and mental health perspectives of individuals with mental
difficulties. Naturally, I said ‘yes’, and health difficulties, their family
felt encouraged for our patients that members, and healthcare providers.
this research is being done. Previous
research suggests that individuals with WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE?
mental health difficulties often find it A one-hour long conversation with
more difficult to access quality Clodagh, the lead researcher, via
healthcare. zoom. In this conversation you will
This study will help to understand discuss the factors that impact access
the factors impacting the quality of life to quality kidney care for individuals
and mental health of kidney patients published several book chapters and with mental health difficulties.
in Ireland, including measures such as peer-reviewed journal articles, and
pain, fatigue, social support, and the played a key role in shaping the 2017- DO YOU MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA?
effect of kidney disease on individuals’ 2027 National Cancer Strategy, 1. Do you have kidney disease and
daily lives. This research will also help ensuring that the psychological needs have you received a diagnosis of a
to determine the link between mental of cancer patients are explicitly mental health difficulty in the past?
health difficulties and how often addressed in the strategy. OR
individuals follow healthcare providers’ There have been several research 2. Do you have a close family member
treatment recommendations projects done in this area but very few with kidney disease and a mental
(treatment adherence). here in Ireland. I felt it was really health difficulty?
Clodagh has put a patient expert important to give our renal patients an OR
panel in place to guide her research opportunity to be involved in this 3. Are you a healthcare professional or
and will work alongside Dr John research and space for their voices to allied healthcare professional with
Holian, Consultant Nephrologist at St. be heard. This research will gather experience working with kidney
Vincent’s Hospital, and his renal team, information on what helps and hinders disease patients?
to engage with patients. The research access to kidney care for individuals, so If you meet any of the above criteria
will be supervised by Prof Paul improvements in future care and and would be interested in hearing
D’Alton, Consultant Psychologist at St supports can be made. more about the research, please
Vincent’s Hospital, who has completed The Irish Kidney Association fully contact Clodagh at
several funded research projects, supports this research project being led clodagh.cogley@ucd.ie
IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021 17“Believe that a further
shore is reachable
from here.” SEAMUS HEANEY
W
ith less energy and In my work I often use a very
prolonged states of straightforward well-known
stress, differences may psychology technique to help look for
have started to surface a resolution, ‘The Perspective
in our beliefs and ideas about COVID- Triangle Strategy’.
19 and adherence to imposed The Perspective Triangle Strategy
By AOIFE SMITH government guidelines. This can easily uses the concept of a triangle to
become a source of conflict within separate the different points of view
This time last year I wrote an article family, or with friends and colleagues. within a conflict. Each point of the
about understanding loss and grief. I Like any conflict, it can cause a great triangle is a step that represents a
never mentioned ‘COVID-19’. I wrote deal of pain and add to an already perspective because within any
very stressful situation. conversation between people there
the article from a chronic illness It is helpful to find ways to manage are at least three perspectives.
perspective without any true our emotions and use a collaborative 1st Perspective – Self: This is
appreciation or comprehension of the approach to look for a middle ground. what is going on from your own
year that was about to unfold in front It is important when we are trying to perspective. It is what you are seeing,
of us. We now approach the marking of resolve conflict that we pay attention hearing, feeling, and thinking during
to how we communicate both an interaction with another person. It
a full year of official lockdowns and we verbally, (what we say) and non- is the conversation from which we
enter a phase of ‘Living with COVID- verbally, (through our body language, usually operate, as it is our own
19’ plans, variants, vaccines and safe our facial expressions, our eye default world view, made up of our
reopenings. We continue to dig deep contact, and our posture). experiences, values, beliefs and ideas.
into our emotional resilience and It is also important to pay attention 2nd Perspective – Other: This is
to how we listen, asking questions for the point of view of the other person.
manage our anxieties. But how do we more information, clarifying what we It is what they are seeing, hearing,
manage the new wave of conflicts that think and checking that we feeling, and thinking during a
COVID-19 has brought when quite understand what the other person is conversation with you. From this
frankly our tanks are on empty? feeling. position we try to understand the
18 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021Aoife can be contacted
at Donor House
on 0818-543639
or 01-6205306
or by email: aoife@ika.ie
world from their point of view. their shoes and reflecting on why you that sense of security. We may not be
3rd Perspective – Observer: This is think they are feeling upset. This step able to avoid it, but we can arm
the point of view of an impartial requires you to suspend your own ourselves with skills that help us find
observer. What I mean by that is of perspective and widen your resolutions and restore peace.
someone who has nothing invested in understanding with empathy for what Awareness breeds change and change
the outcome but who is interested in that other person may be feeling. breeds action. That action begins with
both parties and how they interact. Step 3: Imagine you are an observer you, from within you.
From this perspective they can see with of the conflict and ask yourself what Thank you to all who called or
clarity what is going on between you see in your own behaviour and emailed the counselling services
people. The pattern of conversation is perspective. And what are the provided here at the IKA. Please
obvious to them because they are differences you notice, in your opinion, continue to email me with topics that
outside of the problem. by considering the other person’s might benefit you to read about. Your
These perspectives can be very perspective and by being the observer? comments to me will be completely
different, and it can be difficult to Using these three different steps confidential, no names will be used,
separate or untangle these at the best allows you to get to the necessary and no reference will be made to any
of times, never mind when living with emotional detachment and provides person or any specific email. If there is
a chronic illness and being stuck in the valuable insights that can help you find a common theme in the requests, I will
middle of a pandemic. This strategy a resolution to your conflict. base the next article around that topic.
asks us to break the conflict down into In times like these, with so many I look forward to hearing from you!
steps: environmental stressors on top of
Step 1: Consider your own everyday struggles, conflict may be I received a great response to the
perspective and reflect on why you are something we may not be able to Christmas Giveaway of the book
feeling upset about the situation. avoid or control when it arises. ‘How to be Our Best Self
Essentially this asks you to become Peace within our family, friends and in Times of Crisis’.
self-aware and honest with yourself colleagues provides a sense of Congratulations to all of you
about how you are really feeling. reassurance and well-being with those who got in touch and received a
Step 2: Consider the perspective of we hold dear. copy of the book.
the other person, putting yourself in When conflict arises it threatens
IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021 19Galway woman
Raymond O’Brien, Denise Waldron
RAISING
THE BAR
for organ donation
and funds for IKA By GWEN O’DONOGHUE
T
uesday August 22nd, 2017 was nearby in Salthill, said that “giving a
A Galway barrister raised the day that changed everything kidney to my brother Raymond,
for living kidney donor recipient changed all of our lives for the better.”
the bar for organ donation Raymond O’Brien, a Raymo had just turned twenty
when she gave a kidney to carpenter/joiner who lives near the when he became a type 1 diabetic
her younger brother, in Salthill prom with his wife Ethna and which resulted in having lots of eye
their three children, Isabel (10) and laser treatment, two eye operations
August 2017, when he twins Harry and Amy (8). It was the and other diabetic related
needed a kidney donor. day Raymo received a donor kidney complications.
from his sister Denise Waldron. It In 2002 he was diagnosed with
While they were both brought to an end his declining kidney kidney disease. Within fifteen years of
undergoing their living function which was diagnosed fifteen treatment he reached end stage
donor kidney transplant at years previously. kidney failure and was just about to
Denise, a barrister who also lives commence dialysis when Denise came
Beaumont Hospital, their to the rescue and gave him one of her
brother, Mr David O’Brien, healthy kidneys.
a Consultant Neurosurgeon, Denise, who recently became a
grandmother to baby Ayra, said, “I felt
was operating in the privileged to be able to help my
adjoining theatre. younger brother Raymo as he was
struggling with his health while trying
to raise three young children with
Ethna. My two daughters, Hilary and
Laura, are grown-up and I discussed
the donation with them and got their
seal of approval.
“An amusing and unexpected
outcome of the transplant operations
was that at the time I was going
through the menopause and some of
my menopausal hormones remained
on the donating kidney which had a
strange effect on Raymo! For a few
weeks after the operation he was
getting hot flushes and kicking off the
blankets as he was overheating at
night. Ethna and I found this hilarious.
Denise with grandson Ayra. We joked that he is now more in
20 IKA S U P P O R T S P R I N G 2021You can also read
