Winslow donation provides Epworth with Australian first
A Winslow fundraising event has helped deliver an Australian-first for a Melbourne hospital.
Before shutting down for the Christmas holidays, Winslow presented a cheque to the Epworth Hospital in Richmond to support its Renal Ward.
In August last year, Winslow hosted a fundraising event – Nick’s Head Shave For Kidney Disease – to raise funds for kidney disease research in support of Transport Manager Nick Nesci, who has kidney disease and requires a five-hour dialysis session three times a week at the Renal Ward.
Some of Nick’s colleagues and family shaved their heads at the event held at Marnong Estate and raised a staggering $126,264.00 for the Epworth.
Nick worked with the staff and patients in the ward to understand the urgent needs of the unit.
In an Australian first, with the funds raised, the Epworth has been able to purchase a Transonic Haemodialysis Monitor, which is a portable device that monitors patients while they receive dialysis.
The monitor helps measure and assess dialysis delivery to ensure delivered blood flow and recirculation is optimal.
Any potential problems with delivery are identified via the monitor so the nurse can rectify the problem or alter treatment immediately.
Emma Taylor, Nurse Unit Manager of Renal Dialysis at Epworth Richmond said the monitor is the gold standard of surveillance during dialysis.
“Occasionally minor issues can occur during dialysis which can impact the dose delivery. This might be a change in needle position or a slight discrepancy between the pump setting and the delivered blood flow,” she said.
“This monitor picks up any issues straight away so we can address them and ensure our patients are provided with the best possible treatment.
“Nick’s Head Shave was such a great event. It was fantastic to see the Winslow team participate and raise these much-needed funds, and awareness, for the Renal Dialysis team at Epworth. A huge thank you to Nick and the Winslow team!”
The team hopes that other hospitals across the country also purchase monitors after seeing the benefits for patients at the Epworth.
Nick’s wife Carmel, daughter Liana, brother Cosimo Di Bello and Winslow Group General Manager Operation Stephen Strano were at the presentation.
“As a victim of kidney disease, Nick’s Head Shave For Kidney Disease was the realisation of my personal dream of raising much needed funds for the Renal Ward at the Epworth Hospital – a unit that has supported me and others in so many ways through their dedication, compassion, care, skills and experience – and also towards research into kidney disease,” Nick said.
Read Nick’s story here: https://news.winslow.com.au/be-aware-of-the-silent-killer