Week in the snow awaits kidney kids

On Monday 15th July at 8 AM a fantastic week's trip to the snow begins for 20 children receiving treatment for kidney disease at The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.

Leaving by bus from The Children's Hospital at Westmead the children ranging in age from 8 to 18 years will travel to Thredbo for a week of skiing, snow boarding, horse riding, rock climbing and loads of other activities.

None of the children going have ever even seen the snow, let alone been skiing so they are extremely excited.

The two hospitals treat approximately 100 children with kidney disease, many of whom receive regular dialysis treatment, while waiting for a kidney transplant. Jill Farquhar, Clinical Nurse Consultant and Co-ordinator of the Renal Treatment Centre at The Children's Hospital at Westmead says "These children can be on dialysis treatment hooked up to the machines for many hours several times a week, some daily. This is going to be such an exciting trip for them. Many of these children know each other well, from receiving their treatment together. We're sure this trip will cement their friendships further."

The Australian Kidney Foundation is sponsoring this trip for these children, with the families contributing a small amount.

As six of the children will need dialysis treatment during the trip to the snow, Fresenius Medical Care at Smithfield has come to the party by donating the use of three haemodialysis machines and a dialysis technician for the week. Having the machines on-site will mean the trip to Canberra Hospital will be spared for these kids, ensuring they pack as much fun into their week as possible.

Three nurses and two nursing students will provide the medical care for the children and an occupational therapist and Leisure & Tourism student from UTS Kuring-gai will make sure the fun never stops.

David Evans, now 16 years old, has been on dialysis treatment for approximately 12 years, and says "It's going to be a great trip - having dialysis machines with us means it's like a real holiday. I'm going to try everything!"

For further information, please contact:

Debra Fowler
Public Relations
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
(02) 9845 3584
(02) 9845 0000 (page via switchboard)

Catharina Boer
Public Relations
Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick
(02) 9382 3571
(0411) 730 842 (mobile)