Kidney Health Week 24th May - 31st May
2008
The Western Australian Minister for Health, the Hon. Jim
McGinty will be surrounded by Angels this evening when he officially
launches Kidney Health Week which focuses on detection, prevention
and management of kidney disease to lower the number of dialysis
patients.
Chronic Kidney Disease is responsible for the highest number of
hospital visits to public hospitals in Australia. In 2005 / 2006 one
third of all admissions to public hospitals were due to dialysis,
2000 each day of the year.
To celebrate its 40th Birthday
Kidney Health Australia has recognised Forty Kidney Health Angels
with Operation Angel Awards across Australia to people from
all walks of life for their work and involvement in kidney health
issues.
Anne Wilson, Chief Executive of Kidney Health Australia said,
"the official recognition of such a diverse range of people from so
many walks of life reveals the many faces of kidney disease of
which one in three Australians is at increased risk.
"Operation Angel recognizes and promotes the work and care
carried out by hundreds of people daily in hospitals and medical
clinics to assist over fourteen thousand Australians to remain alive
on dialysis.
"It also recognizes the commitment of family, friends and work
colleagues of kidney patients."
Kidney Health Angels being recognized this evening in Western
Australia include:
Paul Kitson an active volunteer for 14 years and has given
3-4 days a week of his time over this period and is a member of the
WA Consumer Participation Committee.
Paul Andrews MLA the Australian Labor Party Member for
Southern River and is a supporter of Kidney Health Australia. He
works tirelessly to lift organ donation rates and helps with
community awareness of kidney disease.
Graham Herbert has been a volunteer with Kidney Health
Australia for more than ten years. He initiated and maintains the
Dialysis Unit Guide
Professor Paollo Ferrari is a director at the Department
of Nephrology at Fremantle Hospital. Paolo contributes to Kidney
Health Australia education of GPs work on the Medical and Scientific
Advisory Sub-Committee. He is lead on the WA Health Department Renal
Network and pioneered Paired Exchange in Australia.
Assoc Professor Mark Thomas is a Renal Physician at Royal
Perth Hospital and has been a long-term supporter of Kidney Health
Australia, with input into GP education nights, consumer forums, and
is a contributor to the renal community generally.
Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson Chief Executive Kidney Health
Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391
Julie Edmonds Kidney Health
Australia West Australian Area Manager Mobile: 0409 296 772
Dr
Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416
149 863
Ron Smith National Media Communications Kidney
Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201
