Rural Kidney Association IncRegistered

Support of People with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) 1. Norm Bourke Box a box to the value of $250 is provided to all patients starting peritoneal dialysis at Tamworth, Taree, Dubbo, Orange, Lismore, Canberra and John Hunter Newcastle (Regional Hospitals which service Northern NSW) and contains essential equipment necessary for starting home dialysis. In addition, patients are able to access ongoing supplies, if they are unable to afford it. By providing these supplies our goal is to encourage more patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) to attempt home treatment. This is a unique program and has received national and international attention. 2. Allawah House Tamworth Since opening in 2023 Allawah apartment has been fully utilized by renal patients at no out of pocket expense to eligible patients and their caregivers. This means patients are able to attend dialysis training in Tamworth often traveling from outlying towns (usually greater than 100km away). Eligibility is independently assessed (by Renal unit staff and social workers employed by NSW Health) taking into account the financial situation of the patient and their family. This training is essential for patients to be able to successfully and safely perform Peritoneal dialysis at home. During this financial year 27 families/individuals stayed at Allawah house for no personal cost. 3. Daily Newspapers and WIFI are provided to the Armidale Rural Referral Hospital Dialysis unit. This is a patientinitiated service that dialysis patients wanted but is not paid for by the hospital. Patients attend lifesaving dialysis 3 days a week for up to 6 hours at a time and newspapers and WIFI assist in keeping their minds active.