The Kidney Society

Our main speaker on Tuesday was Joanne Hand from the Kidney Society supported by the Society CEO Kath Eastwood.

Joanne introduced us to the Kidney Society, a community-based organization providing wraparound services for people diagnosed with kidney disease. 

Joanne told us that kidney disease affects one in every ten New Zealanders, with many cases being silent until significant kidney function is lost. The Kidney Society has grown from a small group of dialysis patients in 1978 to serving over 3000 people in the upper North Island. Services provided to those experiencing Kidney Disease include social work, health education, wellness support, and community dialysis houses in South Auckland.

The Society employs a social worker and health educators to support patients and their families. It provides wellness support including specific exercises designed for people with kidney disease to improve their well-being. Community dialysis houses provide flexible dialysis schedules, allowing patients to choose their own times and have support from others on the same journey.

The organization aims to remove barriers by delivering care in the community, at home, and through face-to-face and phone support.

Joanne told us of the importance of Kidney Function and Disease Management. She explained the critical role of kidneys in filtering waste and excess fluid from the body. Damaged kidneys lead to the buildup of waste, causing serious health disorders.  All services provided by the Kidney Society are free, and the organization aims to empower clients to manage their lives.

Joanne noted that the Kidney Society saves New Zealand $1 million per annum for every 14 people in their dialysis care, compared to hospital care.

Jonane told us that the Kidney Society's work is based on decades of experience and aims to help people with kidney disease live their best lives.  The Kidney Society's vision is to become a global case study for efficient, cost-effective, and transformative care for people with kidney disease.

We were told about risk factors and preventive measures. Joanne sugested that getting annual fitness checks and regular blood and urine tests if you are at risk of kidney disease.  Also maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating less salt, more fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated, is crucial. Also communication with doctors about all medications and supplements, even over-the-counter ones, is important.  The Kidney Society provides a website with information, magazines, and the ability to call for more details.

Joanne's address lead to a spirited question and answer session about Kidney Disease. Kath in answer to a question about the cause of Kidney Disease said it is a hard to detect problem and  it is often diagnosed late due to lack of symptoms. Kath mentioned that kidney disease affects all ethnicities and ages, and high blood pressure and diabetes are significant risk factors. On the plus side she noted that most people can live with one kidney if they donate one, and the average age of their clients is around 55. Kath then commented about the impact of diabetes on kidney function and the importance of managing diet and medications.

After a quesiton about Dialysis and Community Support Kath explained thatdialysis is provided in hospitals, satellite units, and private residences.  The Kidney Society's community dialysis houses provide flexibility and support for patients. She went on to highlight the challenges of getting a permanent dialysis slot and the benefits of community dialysis houses. The Kidney Society's infrastructure, including dialysis houses, is privately funded, not the machines themselves as those belong to Health New Zealand.

Kath noted the criteria for receiving a kidney transplant and the long waitlist due to a shortage of donors.  She also noted that the Kidney Society supports transplant recipients and live donors, with many board members being transplant recipients.

This presentation was well received by members as was evidenced by the questions asked.

As always our thank you gift was a Wallace Cotton tea towel.