New support group for renal dialysis patients established in Pietermaritzburg
Forum to provide support and information to kidney disease patients
Being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease can be distressing, and many newly diagnosed patients feel uncertain about how the disease is likely to impact their lives and how they can best manage this medical condition, which apart from regular, on-going dialysis, requires careful management and certain lifestyle changes.
It is for this reason that private dialysis therapy provider, National Renal Care (NRC) and Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, have established a support group for people impacted by chronic kidney disease. The first of the group’s meetings was held at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital on Tuesday,17 April.
“The demand for such a support group was evident from the keen interest in the first meeting, and the feedback from those who attended was very positive,” says Eleanor David, the manager of the NRC unit in Pietermaritzburg.
“National Renal Care and Netcare St Anne’s Hospital would like to extend a warm invitation to all renal patients, their family, friends and all caregivers to future meetings of the Pietermaritzburg Renal Support Group,” she adds.
“The purpose of the group, which will meet on a bi-monthly basis, is to provide those who have or are impacted by kidney disease with information on the practical lifestyle and emotional realities of living with the condition, within a supportive environment. It will also act as a forum for sharing useful information about kidney disease and its management, and for those affected to share their experiences and support one another,” she adds.
David says that attendance is free but space is limited and booking is essential. For further information or to book your seat for the next support group meeting which will be held on 26 June, please contact Netcare St Anne’s Hospital marketing officer, Shubnum Ismail, on 033 897 5013 or 082 360 2590 or via email at [email protected].
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Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of National Renal Care (NRC)
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney and Meggan Saville
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]