Exeter and District Kidney Patient Association

For kidney/transplant patients, their families and carers in Devon and Somerset
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IMPORTANT! - Changing Prescriptions
 
We have been advised from the NKF that if anyone other than your renal unit attempts to change your medication, please refer them to the renal unit. Several EDKPA members have been sent a letter by their GPs that their medicines will be changed to generic versions (especially transplant patients, for whom the correct immunosupressants are critical). Please let your GP know that your advice is to request your GP (or pharmacist) to contact the renal unit. The NKF would also encourage you to take sign a petition to the government requesting that they rethink this policy in some instances (see here). The NKF's advice is not to take any medicines which are not those which are usually prescribed by your renal unit. See newsletter for more details.
 
Now for the news.....
 
Sponsored Walk - Sun 12th Sep Tiverton Canal 10:30 (3 miles)
 
In aid of Dr Bret Cullis Peritoneal Dialysis Project in Africa.
For more details of the project, see here.
You can donate using Justgiving:                                       
 
Thank you. 
  

Transplant Games 2010, Bath Aug 19 - 22. Your chance to join in!

 

If you would like to travel to Batch and support the team this month.  Contact Wendy - she would love to see tyou there! . See link to previous Games the Exeter team have participated in here.

 

 

 

 


40th Anniversary of Renal dialysis in Exeter (Feb 2010)

 

Staff and patients at the Royal Devon & Exeter hospital celebrated a special milestone recently – 40 years of the Exeter Kidney Unit serving the community and helping patients to lead normal lives. Four decades ago this specialist unit started with only two dialysis machines and looked after less than 50 renal patients. Today the services provide life saving treatment to thousands of patients with five satellite units across Devon, a dedicated 26-bed ward at the RD&E Wonford hospital site and a brand new state of the art haemodialysis unit at the RD&E Heavitree hospital. Dr D’Souza said “I would like to thank staff for all their hard work and dedication and give huge thanks to the Exeter Kidney Patient Association, whose incredible support has been invaluable to patients and staff over the years.”

 


Mel Visits donor’s family

 

Mel McColm, a transplant patient from Exeter, has struck up a friendship with the donor’s family. Read more here.

 

 

 

 


 

Over £1,500 raised by Paul and Nick going the 'wrong way' from John O'Groats to Lands End.

 

EDKPA Member’s stepson Paul Davey and his friend Nick have just completed a mammoth ride from John O’Groats to Lands End, arriving at Lands End on 25th July.
Read about why they did it, the amazing support they received and the support team which helped them on their way. More
here..

 


 

Fit to meet the queen...

 

Transplant member Wendy Sincock was nominated by her mother to attend the Queen’s garden party. Wendy is a tireless advocate for transplantation and managed to talk to the Queen. Read more here.. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Local "Transplant Week" Films (2009)
 
Local transplant stories during Transplant week featured on BBC Spotlight. Of particular interest are stories of a Matthew Stevens (of Cullompton) who had a transplant, and a living donation story from Stuart House in Cornwall, who received a kidney from his father. Videos can be seen here.
  

 
Transplantees Wendy and Alison return with medals at the annual Racquets Contest in Cheshire
 
April 2008 - It was worth the seven hour drive. Read more on our ‘In the news’ page.
  
 
 
 

 
Dennis Thorpe completes Great West Run running for the EDKPA
 
April 2008 - Dennis Thorpe is a very young 70, and completed the gruelling 13.1 mile course in 2 hours 16 minutes and achieved a first while also raising over £200 for the EDKPA. Read more 
 

Honiton Unit Officially Open
 
Serving up to 48 patients with 8 stations, and making lives so much easier with a significantly shorter journey for many patients, three times a week, the Honiton Kidney Unit was officially opened on 30 March 2009. Read more...

 

Past events.. 

 

 
EDKPA Stall at Chagford Fair - Thursday 21 August

The EDKPA had a stall at the Chagford Show on Thursday 21st. It was manned for the whole day (from 7AM!) and was a great success (and also picked up an
award). Wendy wasn't so sure it would be a success the previous night though. Read more..
 
 
Transplant Games 2008 Sheffield 7th – 11th August 2008

These Games are to demonstrate to the public the benefits of Organ Donation.
A chance for transplant patients to give something back..This year they are in Coventry. Why not join us? More..
 
 
Desparate for a holiday in the sun? 
The British Kidney Patient Association is offering out of season holidays in Majorca and Crete to haemodialysis patients who are in desperate need of a break. More...
 
 
 
World Kidney Day  Thurs 13 March

Wendy Sincock (transplant patient) released over 100 balloons for World Kidney Day at 2:30. Why? It's about avoiding kidney disease and dialysis.  Read more about Wendy's event, and more about World Kidney Day... 
 
 
 
EDKPA Three day break Woolacombe 18 - 21 April 2008

 

A great and well deserved break for the people attending. . More..

 
 
 
Hospital Transport - News

There's news about the latest version of the “Eligibility Criteria for Patient Services” If you are on HD, you should be eligible.
More..
 
 

 

Televisions - Digital switch-on for units

All televisions in the wards and satellite units need to be replaced with the coming of digital television. Can you help? More..  
 
  
Gift Aid - Help the inland revenue to help us!


Using Gift Aid means that for every pound you give, we get an extra 28p from the Inland Revenue, helping your donation go further. Well worth it! This means that £10 can be turned into £12.80 just so long as donations are made through Gift Aid. Forms available from Treasurer Mark Harrison or download one here.
 
 

Welfare - Need help?


If you need help or advice about your welfare benefits entitlements, please contact Gilad Jackson.If you have difficulties completing claim forms or if you would like to apply for a grant from your Patients’ Association or other renal or occupational charity.

                             He is based at Social Services, Level 2a, at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

                             You can contact him or leave messages 9-5 p.m. Mon-Fri. Tel: 01392 402244/5
                             or
here

 

 

If you have any  stories, personal experiences or photos you would like on the site,
please e-mail us at info@edkpa.org or contact us