Fundraiser for patient peace

By Bridget Brady
SHARING the remote control is a familiar affair for patients at the Cranbourne Dialysis Unit.
There are six televisions to share between the patients who stay at the unit for about five to six hours at a time for their haemodialysis treatment, meaning there are often three patients watching the one television.
Associate nurse unit manager Lee Wiedermann said while sharing a television between a group of people is common during everyday life, it was normal for patients to have their own televisions at most dialysis units.
“Patients come in here three times a week for about five hours. On the machines they can do limited activities like reading and watching TV,” Ms Wiedermann said.
“It would be ideal to have one for every patient. We have so many different personalities here. There have been a few clashes with people wanting to watch different things. We want to try and make things as pleasant as we can for patients.”
A former patient who experienced first-hand the need to exercise tolerance during television time has organised a fundraiser in Berwick this weekend to allow the unit to buy more televisions.
Ray Wade, 46, was a patient for four years and said the fundraiser on Sunday would be a great family day out.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while and I know how much of a pain it can be so decided to organise this,” Mr Wade said.
There will a jumping castle, a band and a vintage car show at the fundraiser at the Old Cheese Factory on 26 April.
Most of the money raised will go to the Cranbourne Dialysis Unit, and a portion to the Red Cross.
Ms Wiedermann said some of the money could be used to buy a new recliner chair for patients, which cost about $4000 each.
“The day out is for anyone and I encourage everyone to come along,” Mr Wade said.
Activities will begin about 8am and go until about 5pm. The Old Cheese Factory is at 34 Homestead Road, Berwick. For details call 9704 8897.