The Lifecycle Organisation yesterday donated equipment to the Renal Unit at Mater Dei Hospital to provide a better quality of life to patients receiving dialysis treatment.

The funds collected this year amounted to over E200,000 and went into the purchase of five home choice machines which enabled patients to receive treatment at home, a wheel chair scale to facilitate weighing of patients, a dialysis cycling machine for patients to be able to exercise while on haemodialysis treatment, two crit-line monitors for monitoring dry weight and calculating the amount of fluid that needed to be removed during dialysis treatment, and a non-invasive haemoglobin reader which does not require blood sampling.

Lifecycle has also been of assistance in securing support services to train renal staff to handle their patients’ and carers’ emotional pain. The services of a part-time psychologist were also recently engaged to give ongoing support staff to renal unit staff, patients and carers.

“Let’s join forces and give example to the nation,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Health Joe Cassar while encouraging non-governmental organisations, voluntary organisations, and private companies to enhance their social responsibility.

Renal unit end user Prof Guido De Marco told renal unit staff and lifecycle volunteers that their “efforts are magnificent,” and although patients learnt to overcome their suffering it was not at all easy to endure treatment three times a week.

“Ill-borne suffering becomes a bearable one as dreariness is overcome,” Prof. De Marco said.

Jokingly, he explained how he had set up a legal office at the renal unit with relatives of patients popping in for advice.

HSBC Life has also supported lifecycle through their efforts which this year took the group from Lourdes to Casablanca in Morocco. Apart from sponsoring the group, HSBC has continued to support the Lifecycle organisation by doubling funds collected by its staff to a total of E3,155.

Such assistance is much needed at the renal unit which is one of the largest and busiest units at Mater Dei Hospital with over 200 patients suffering from renal failure using its services.