Pictures: Kilkenny and Waterford branches of Irish Kidney Association mark 40 years of dialysis treatment

A significant milestone was celebrated at the dialysis unit of University Hospital Waterford (UHW) prior to Christmas as it marked 40 years of providing vital dialysis services to the community.

The event was made possible by the support of Kilkenny, Wexford  and Tipperary branches of IKA working with the host county branch in Waterford. 

The roots of the story trace back to 1981, when 11 patients from Waterford City and county were receiving life-saving dialysis in St Mary's Hospital in the Phoenix Park and Jervis Street, Dublin.

The catalyst for change came from Seán Murphy, the father of a young child among those patients. He passionately lobbied councillors, ministers, and the Health Service Executive (HSE), initiating plans to establish a dialysis unit in Waterford. The agreement to proceed was contingent on raising £400,000, equivalent to €1.3 million today.

Undeterred, a committee was formed to raise awareness and funds, garnering substantial support, from local Trade Unions and particularly from Waterford Crystal factory workers. In the first year, £130,000 was raised, and in May 1983, the dialysis unit opened in St Bridget’s unit in Ardkeen.

Today, over 108 patients from Waterford, Kilkenny and surrounding counties are cared for in the UHW unit by a dedicated team under the guidance of Jane Cullen, CNM. Additionally, 45 patients engage in home dialysis with support from the Renal Therapies Unit on the hospital's top floor, overseen by Mary O’Grady, CNM, and her compassionate team.

To mark this remarkable milestone, the Waterford Branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) organised a gathering for staff, both past and present, along with a special event for patients over two days.

A welcome address was given by Ray Halligan, Chairperson Waterford Branch IKA, thanking the organiser Frances Moynihan ably assisted by her husband Joe. He was especially grateful to the staff for the wonderful care they give to patients. A special renal-friendly cake was cut, having been provided by a dedicated Waterford Branch volunteer Marion Young.

The raffle was also extended to patients on home dialysis, with Mary O’Grady and Frances Moynihan, Treasurer of the Waterford Branch IKA, overseeing the proceedings in the Home Therapies Unit. The collaborative support from the Wexford, Kilkenny, and Tipperary Branches of the IKA, all of whom have patients at UHW, was deeply appreciated. Bridget Langton Treasurer of the Kilkenny Branch IKA and Walter Kent, Secretary of the Wexford Branch IKA were present to assist with some of the raffles over the two days. 

Notably, Nora Delahunty, who has dedicated 40 years of service to UHW dialysis patients, was recognised for her outstanding contributions and was presented with a hamper by Chairperson Ray Halligan. She remains a friendly and caring presence to all who visit the unit.

Special guests included Bob Murphy, the fifth patient in the unit in 1983, accompanied by his mother, Síle Murphy. Bob's late father, Seán Murphy, played a pivotal role in advocating for the unit in 1981.

The Waterford Branch IKA extends sincere gratitude to the staff in both units for embracing the idea of a celebration and for their warm hospitality over the two days. Looking forward, the branch anticipates continued collaboration with other IKA branches for the betterment of patient care.

If you or anyone in your family is living with renal disease and would like to access further supports and services, please contact the Kilkenny branch IKA Hon Chairperson Owen Hanrahan at owen.hanrahan78@gmail.com and Kilkenny branch IKA Hon. Treasurer Bridget Langton at bridget@kilvarra.com or IKA Head Office at info@ika.ie.