2012 autumn - october

AUTUMN 2012
PARKING AT N.G.H
We have received on good authority that the N.G.H. are now employing a private firm to ‘manage’ the car parks. The good news is that on October 1st it became illegal for firms to clamp vehicles on private property. The bad news is that people, like the NGH, are getting private firms to put parking tickets on cars parked without a correct ticket and those parked incorrectly therefore illegally. There’s nothing wrong with either of these! However, what does this word ‘incorrectly’ actually mean in practice?
Well we know our members who have been parked, paid for their ticket at the correct
rate but have found a ‘parking ticket on their car on their return. WHY? Simply
because PART of their tyre has either been touching the white line marking out the
parking bay, or it may have been slightly over the line because the car next to them
has parked in such a way as to make this the only way they could safely park their
car,
Last year various hospital trusts once again made £millions in car parking charges. The highest been over £2.3m by a London hospital. In 2010 we reported that Sheffield Hospital NHS Trust had made car parking profits of £1.1m, we do not have last years figures but it is hardly likely that they have gone down. It seems that by adopting this policy of employing a ‘Management Company’ to look after the parking profits are going to increase again. The Trust want to make money and the management company also, so the people suffering (literally) are the visiting outpatients and those visiting in-patients. It would not be too bad if we could see some improvement in parking facilities but they are getting worse rather than better. From hospital dialysis patients coming in their own transport, there is a glimmer of hope. We are led to believe that there may be parking concessions available to patients, like hospital haemo patients, and visitors to long stay inpatients. Ask the ward clerk or nursing staff to make enquiries for you. Anyone lucky enough to obtain any parking concession please contact the editor or any member of the SAKA committee and we will publicise it. MEANWHILE –BE CAREFUL HOW YOU PARK!!
THANK YOU
for their donation after a fundraising event After a talk on organ donation by Ken Tupling. Sheffield Senior Blades after a talk by Mr Andrew Raftery. Ken & Margaret Tupling late donations to their garden party. proceeds from their pub quiz. Donated via the SAKA Our thanks also to those who donate each month, plus the latest member whose standing order is on a quarterly basis. Of course our special thanks to those who gave donations in memory of
the following loved ones:
Mr. G. C. Beardmore, Mr. A. Stainrod, Mr. Jack Parry, Mr. Edward Hughie Jones All the donations above were received between August 1 and October 31st CHRISTMAS CARDS
Have you bought your Christmas cards yet?
SAKA are once again selling their cards at most of the Sorby Outpatients Dept
clinics and various satellite units. We expect to be selling them up to the end of
November and possibly into the first week of December, or until the stock runs out.
So when going to the clinic or dialysis unit remember to take your purse or wallet.
At just £2.75 for a pack of 10 we reckon the are the best value charity
Christmas cards around.
Important Renal Unit telephone numbers:
Sorby Outpatients Monday - Friday (exc Bank Holidays)*** 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
0114 2715320
Appointments 0114 2715131
Renal Unit
Satellite Units
‘E’ Floor 0114 2715331
Barnsley
01226 320310
‘F’ Floor
0114 2266391/2266393 ***(Use at all other times + Bank Holidays)
‘G’ Floor 0114 2269164
Chesterfield
01246 512626
Doncaster
01302 381455
Rotherham
01709 838333
Sheffield
0114 2290970
Peter Moorhead Dialysis Unit
0114 2715136
The proverbial flags are flying at our house!
You may remember that last year Ken announced his intention of stepping down from the role of SAKA treasurer—a job he has done in 2 separate stints for nearly 15 years. Finally we have a replacement. A young man, David Stocks has come forward and volunteered to take over this important role. David is a qualified Chartered Accountant and the appointment was agreed at the SAKA AGM in September. He does not have any experience of renal problems but is eager to put something back into the community and learn about kidney related issues. Ken and David have been working together to make the transition as easy as possible. David took over completely on November 1st but Ken is making himself available for as long as it takes, until all the various bits and pieces that will inevitably crop up have been finalised. To contact David please use his email address stocksey83@hotmail.co.uk
as he is unavailable during the day.
Have Your Say
We are all guilty of complaining that our views, in any walk of life, are seldom taken into consideration. At last, kidney patients’ going to Sorby outpatients dept have an opportunity to say how they feel about how the environment in the Sorby outpatients can be improved. Just past reception, as you go into the clinic area, there is a white board asking people for their views or preferences to change or improve things in the department while waiting to see the doctor. Now is the time to ‘Have your say’! There is a marker pen provided so come on let the powers that be know what you would like to see changed. SAKA Contacts
Chairman
david.marshall@bradley-refrigeration.com Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership
Committee:
Kerry Radford (Rotherham Rep)
.Caravan Bookings:
SAKA UPDATE Margaret Tupling margtup@live.co.uk Web page www.saka.org.uk
We are all Steve Austin now. (we have the technology)!
The Christmas of 1978 had turned into something of a disaster as far as I was concerned. I was ten years old and a keen fanatic of Steve Austin, aka 'The Six Million Dollar Man'. At school, during lunch breaks, groups of us would go lurching around the playground in ultra slow motion, to imitate the speed of bionic limbs chasing unsavoury characters. But in reality we just looked daft. Unfortunately, this infatuation with all things bionic was rudely interrupted by my recruitment into the school Christmas concert. To make matters worse, rehearsals clashed with the weekly episode of my bionic hero and thus together with a fellow fanatic, we hatched a plan to bring a small portable TV into school so we could, in theory at least, get the best of both worlds. Our plan, was not cunning enough, for though we managed to locate and store the TV in our special hideaway in the school hall, we had overlooked the necessary power requirements. So when Steve met Jaime (the bionic woman), we were not greeted with meaningful looks at a distance of 2 miles (bionic eyes remember), but simply a blank screen. If Steve Austin was rebuilt today his original expensive procedure of $6m (adjusted for inflation) would be a staggering $31m. Mr Austin received a new right arm, both legs and a new left eye in the series, '.that enhanced his strength, speed and vision far above human norms'. And it gets better, because he had the strength of a bulldozer and his eye was a 20:1 zoom lens. This is the kind of transplant option we should be campaigning for in Sheffield, I’m sure the Transplant Games Team would welcome these sort of improvements. Just think how good their performances would be then! Wishful thinking aside, it is nothing short of a miracle what we, as kidney patients, have experienced over the past 30 years in Sheffield. From the transformation of a small kidney unit into a world leading centre for both research and care. Plus, the introduction of powerful, some might even say 'bionic' immunosuppressive drugs. Cyclosporin was the first in the 1980s, originally given out in small bottles, full of a strange and an exceedingly unpleasant liquid concoction. Patients were eventually convinced to take it with milk, and even that took some 'gentle persuasion'. (Thankfully, today it has a much more funky name, 'Neoral', and comes in tablet form, albeit shaped as, and nearly as big as torpedoes). It was this drug that lifted the possibilities of organ donation, allowing more organs to be successfully transplanted. Kidney dialysis has improved. Haemodialysis is now much quicker, typically up to 4 hours, as opposed to the standard 6 hours endured by patients in the 1970s. Artificial kidneys are much more effective, and I am always impressed by the dialysis machine's computer, with its multiple options for removing your fluid (in my case mainly Cider) exactly as instructed. Today it seems that a mere kidney transplant is almost commonplace. And it appears only a matter of time before we can all be Steve Austin, but without the fantastic super power options. The media recently revealed breakthroughs in the research for blindness, with implants of stem cells which successfully alleviated some vision loss in patients. On a daily basis we are presented with staggering reports on the latest medical advances from across the world. It was 20 years ago that kidneys from pigs looked to have 'saved our bacon', and come to the rescue of an increasingly long waiting list for organ transplantation. Unfortunately, the pig farm at the bottom of Herries Road never materialised and there is much work to do in this area, (this research still continues in Canada). Whatever the future holds; today, we can enjoy a range of new organs - have multiple kidney transplants (because we enjoyed it so much the first time). Receive kidneys from friends, non related donors, and even relatives with different blood groups. In this country, the longest surviving patient with a kidney transplant is now coming up to celebrating her 44th year with her 'new' kidney. And in the spirit of the recent Olympics, that seems to me like a challenge, and a milestone I should be aiming for with my next, "lucky" third kidney; fingers crossed! Paul Johnson (Our thanks to Paul for this interesting ‘History’ lesson and his personal journey over the last 30 years. We know Paul has exciting things happening at the moment and we wish him well. ‘FLU JAB TME AGAIN
‘Flu is a common and highly infectious illness which can make you feel terrible. Even people who are fit and well can develop serious complications, The Dept. of Health especially recommend that anyone with a suppressed immune system, certain chronic conditions such as kidney disease or who is over the age of 65 should have the ‘flu vaccine. It is provided free to people in any of these groups. If you have NOT had your jab yet this year, get in touch with your GP as soon as
possible. Strains of ‘flu change from year to year so it’s important to have a jab at
the start of each winter whether of not you have had one before.
Your UPDATE
The UPDATE is YOUR newsletter! The editor would like to receive your news,
contributions, opinions, praise or grumbles or / and details of forthcoming events
for the Winter newsletter by mid January 2013
Record participation for 2012 patient transport audit
A record number of renal units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have taken part in the 2012 patient transport audit, which took place on 17 and 18 October. Of the 265 adult renal and paediatric units in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
invited to take part, just two declined (one main unit and its satellite). 22,000 patient
questionnaires were sent out in total, to be completed by people who travelled to
their unit for dialysis on the audit days. This year’s survey has achieved the
highest participation rate to-date, and thanks are due to all the renal units
who agreed to take part. Units had until 31 October to return completed
questionnaires.
Beverley Matthews, director of NHS Kidney Care, said: “I am thrilled at the response rate we have had for the 2012 patient transport survey. Achieving such a high level of participation will ensure that the information gathered is as useful as possible. By monitoring current performance and spreading good practice we can work together to improve kidney services. We will be providing full analysis on the survey findings, with recommendations to support local organisations’ work on improving patient transport services.” Final reports and analysis are expected in January 2013. ANNUAL PRE-CHRISTMAS QUIZ
Win yourself a £20 M & S voucher in time for Christmas. 1. Who ‘overtook’ Sir Steve Redgrave as the most successful British Olympian? 3. Which parasitic plant is associated with Christmas? 4. In which ship did the Queen sail along the Thames in the Diamond Jubilee 5. On which date does St. Stephen’s day fall? 6. Name the surgeon who conducted the world’s first heart transplant. 7. Which beetle feeds on aphids and is named after the Virgin Mary? 8. Name the condition in which animals slow down their bodies during winter. 9. Which board game came to Western Europe from India via Persia? 10. Which is the world’s smallest independent country? 11. Who was the second man to set foot on the moon? Answers please to SAKA Freepost, NEA 12111, Rotherham. S60 3BR by Dec.
10th Entries received after this date cannot be considered.
First correct entry out of the hat will win.
Although, once again, we only had a small team of 11 competitors the team were
very successful and won a total of 24 medals. We had an enjoyable few days in
Kent and despite the facilities not being as good as we have had in past Games we
made the best of it and met up with old friends. Now for the good news:
British Transplant Games
SHEFFIELD 2013
15 – 18 AUGUST
Next year’s Games were launched on 17th October 2012 in the Winter Gardens in Sheffield by Graham Moore, who is Chairman of Westfield Health who are the main sponsors for the Games. Will you be there in 2013 ? Please come and join our Team and partake in an
enjoyable experience. There is a great variety of sports to choose from ranging
from the more energetic to the less strenuous. You can compete in table tennis,
badminton, squash, tennis, bowls, archery, darts, snooker, swimming, cycling,
tenpin bowling and athletics.
If you are transplant recipient and would like an opportunity to compete at some of the country’s top sporting venues there is no better place than Sheffield. We have Ponds Forge for the swimming, Don Valley Stadium for the athletics and English institute of Sport for snooker, table tennis and squash. What more could you want than to compete at the venues where the world’s top sportsmen and women have competed? There is also the added potential of being selected to represent Great Britain at the World Games. So come on you younger members and more lady competitors let’s show the men that we too can compete on an equal footing. Please contact the Sheffield Team Manager Betty Rayner (0114 246 2237) for
more information.
By the way - The British Transplant Games are not restricted just to the competitors. There is also an event in which all members of the family and friends can get involved in a sponsored Fun Run around the Don Valley Stadium and surrounding area. presenting an opportunity to raise awareness of the continuing need for organ donors. Those completing the Fun Run are usually given a goody bag. Carrot and Coriander Soup. Serves 4 (250mls per portion).
An easy starter or filling lunch snack. Can be frozen in serving sized portions and
then re-heated and garnished with coriander leaves,
10 coriander leaves
6 coriander seeds
Place all ingredients except water and coriander leaves in a thick - bottomed pan.
Cover with lid and cook without liquid until half cooked stirring occasionally tp
prevent the mixture ‘catching’ on bottom of pan.
Add water and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 - 45 mins. Remove from heat and blend in a liquidizer or with a hand - blender untl smooth. Adjust seasoning and consistency if necessary. Serve sprinkled with coriander leaves to garnish.
NB This recipe is HIGH in potassium. If following a low potassium diet

choose a low potassium main course.
Recipe from Food for Life by Lawrence Keogh. Lawrence is a well known celebrity TV chef also a Kidney Transplant recipient. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America? To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research. I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it’s getting harder and harder for me to find one now. Sheffield Area Kidney Association publishes SAKA UPDATE. The views and opinions expressed
by contributors are not necessarily the view of Sheffield Area Kidney Association. SAKA cannot
accept any responsibility for website content or guarantee of services mentioned in this
publication. Readers are advised to make their own enquiries where necessary. SAKA
acknowledges any copyright material used in this publication as the original work of the author
and has sought permission, where necessary, to reprint it.
SAKA is registered with the Charity Commission No. 506386 Established in 1976

Source: http://www.saka.org.uk/downloads/saka_update_oct_2012.pdf