The Irish Kidney Association

Patricia from Browneshill, Carlow, was elected to the Board of the IKA in 2001 and was appointed to the role of National Secretary in 2007. Patricia has been an active member of the association since 1984. She has served as both Secretary and Chairman of the Carlow Branch of the association. Her late husband, Paul, was diagnosed with End Stage Kidney Disease in 1976 and passed away in September, 2008. Their children John and Sarah are aged 21 and 17 respectively.

Patricia explained that “when my late husband Paul commenced dialysis treatment in 1984 we both became members of our local branch of the Association. We found it to be a wonderful support group and it provided us with a great source of knowledge about renal disease.”

She said that “we in the association are very pleased with the recent establishment of the National Renal Office, and we look forward to the standardisation of Renal Services nationally. The Living Kidney Transplant Programme which started last year is another very welcome development and we hope it will substantially increase the number of kidney transplants this year and will help reduce long waiting lists.

I would like to see greater access to haemodialysis for patients travelling in Ireland wishing to have holidays, attend family gatherings or for business purposes. Home haemodialysis is now available in Ireland and will give patients another treatment option. I would also encourage all new patients to join the association even if they do not wish to become active members. I believe they would benefit greatly from receiving our regular “Support” magazine and attending information days, patient conferences, etc.

I look forward to my term as Chairman of the association and the challenges which it will present, especially in the current economic climate, working for the benefit of all kidney patients.”

The Irish Kidney Association has over 3,000 members and 25 branches nationwide, and its Head Office in Park West, Dublin 12. The association provides many forms of assistance and support – financial, emotional and practical to all kidney patients, their families and carers.