The Hastings-Macleay Renal Service, working from Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Kempsey District Hospital, has a $13,000 video conferencing system thanks to the support of Lions.
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The state-of-the-art IT system, which includes a TV screen, computer, and conferencing phone, will enable patients, nurses and allied health staff to link with specialists in the Port Macquarie Renal Unit.
The video conferencing project was taken on by Tacking Point Lions Club, a long-time supporter of Port Macquarie Base Hospital, with funding support from Lions NSW/ACT Public Health Care Foundation. Kempsey and South West Rocks Lions clubs also came on board, along with Port Macquarie Renal Unit to ensure the project was fully funded.
The IT install at the Kempsey Renal Unit relies on wireless technology to connect the patient and renal nurses with other members of the dialysis team, including doctors and specialists. The system also means improved access to renal specialists at John Hunter Hospital and other major dialysis centres.
Hastings-Macleay Renal Services Nursing Unit manager Trish Campbell said the exciting project simply would not have happened without the support of Lions.
"When we approached Tacking Point Lions about this project, we knew it was a big ask of them but we also knew the technology had the potential to make a huge difference to our Renal Team by reducing the hours they were spending travelling between hospitals. We also knew the technology was a valuable tool in helping our renal patients at Kempsey," she said.
"It means patients can access specialist information via video link while they are with a nurse and they can access education opportunities to improve their own health.
"The technology will also enable our outreach renal teams to run multidisciplinary clinics from Kempsey by linking with specialist allied health and medicos at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and elsewhere.
"It really has opened the door to significant changes in the way the Renal Teams communicate with each other and how we can continue to improve the way we care for our patients."
Tacking Point Lions Club President Bob Forster said it had been an exciting project to be involved in, particularly because it was one that meant a great deal to members following the recent passing of fellow Lion Neil Tubb due to kidney failure.
"Our club has a proud history of achievement in our community and service to it, so when Port Macquarie Base Hospital asked for our help, the only real consideration was how to raise the funds.
"Thankfully, Lions NSW ACT Public Health Care Foundation could also see value in this project, and together, with support from Kempsey and South West Rocks Lions clubs, we've been able to deliver something very special to both hospitals which will benefit local renal patients."
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