Here are a few pictures capturing the atmosphere at the Belfast City Marathon. Whilst a little wet, everyone had a fantastic time and really raised the profile of the RVH Liver Support Group; well done to everyone who helped organise, and to those who took part in the walk, relay and run!!
Following a very successful online agricultural auction organised by their Mum Tara Williamson, Tommy and Mia presented our Group Founder Kay Duffy with a cheque for £12,000 in appreciation of the work the Group undertakes in support of liver patients across Northern Ireland. Kay expressed our thanks for such a fantastic donation, stressing that only through the generosity of our members, their family and friends, could the Group continue to provide the support and services that it does. All donations, no matter the amount, are important and very welcome.
The provision of a paracentesis trainer to the RVH Liver Unit is the first of its type in Northern Ireland. The traditional method of training staff to drain fluid from a patient’s abdomen has been to learn the theory, observe a number of procedures and then undertake the procedure for the first time on a patient. The paracentesis simulation trainer now allows staff to learn the technique of fluid drainage in a safe training environment and to practice as much as is necessary to obtain the appropriate level of competency before performing the procedure on a patient. A syllabus for certification in training has been developed with the postgraduate deanery in NI (NIMDTA) with the first official course planned for Spring 2022. Our thanks go to the RVH Liver Support Group for funding the purchase.
Even though this event took place last year we thought that you would like to read the story of little Millie who, after a liver transplant at a very young age, took on the challenge of the Great North Run. And if that wasnt enough she also did the Great Rickshaw Challenge for Children in Need. You can read her inspiring stories at these links:-
As a fellow LSG member and a transplant recipient I thought I would recount my experience of getting
Covid and the treatment option I received .
I surprisingly tested positive after developing symptoms similar to a light cold .
My initial positive was on a lateral flow test. I then booked a PCR as I was still unsure . Next day the PCR test confirmed my positive Covid status .
I was contacted later on that day by a Doctor from the Covid Day Unit at the Ulster Hospital . He had picked up my details from the PCR positive test results.
He talked me through the anti viral treatment option which is offered to those in vulnerable groups which includes transplant recipients.
An appointment was made for 2 days later for me to attend the Ulster Hospital where I received my anti viral treatment .
This was given as an intravenous treatment which only took 30 mins . Everything was explained very clearly and I found the whole experience both friendly and very efficient.
And, when I was at the hospital I even got a lovely cup of coffee and a scone.
I hope this helps anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation.
Information on the treatment that Patricia was specifically given can be found HERE. It should be noted that this may not necessairly be the treatment that may be offered to others; this is for information only and you must be guided by your medical staff.
The Patient and Client Council wishes to extend an invitation to the first meeting of our Clinically Extremely
Vulnerable (CEV) Engagement Platform on Monday 28th February 2022 at 11:00am.
This initial meeting will serve as an introductory meeting where we will explore the experiences of those who are
CEV, their families and support organisations and to frame the role of the PCC’s Engagement Platform and long term engagement
Please register by Thursday 24th February 2022 by clicking here.
If you have any queries, please contact Jane Reilly on jane.reilly@pcc-ni.net or 028 9536 1705
Patient and Client Council
Your voice in health and social care.
The Liver Support Group has recently purchased, and donated to the Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Unit, a number of pieces of equipment that will enable pre and post liver transplant patients to exercise more easily. Featured in the left picture is a MotoMed letto2 legs/arms exerciser. As an activating leg-and arm-/ upper body trainer RECK Medizintechnik developed the motor-assisted bed modell “MOTOmed letto2 legs/arms”. Due to its pivoted bracket, the letto2 leg/arm can be positioned to the left or the right side of the bed. It can also be situated at the foot part of the bed. This makes movement therapy possible despite of special limitations.The letto2 leg/arm is standard equipped with a hydraulic height adjustment and a manual knee bending adjustment. The features make the handling in the daily care more flexible and easy. This unit is especially useful where patients are unable to get out of bed.
In the second picture you will see Brendan on the bike trainer. Physiotherapist Suzanne, in 6D, says ” we try to increase the physical fitness of patients whilst on the ward. All of these pieces of equipment help patients maintain muscle strength and muscle mass whilst in hospital.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have fundraised during this last year for the Group so that we can make this much needed equipment available to the ward.
Health Minister Robin Swann conveys news of the Bill passing today to the waiting media
RVH Liver Support Group Chairman, Jim Kilpatrick, congratulates Health Minister Robin Swann MLA and Jo-Anne Dobson following the passing of today’s Bill. Jo-Anne had unsuccessfully endeavoured to bring the change about during her period as an MLA in 2014.
The Liver Support Group welcomes news that the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill passed its final stage in the Assembly today 8th February 2022, with a unanimous vote, and many personal statements of thanks and relief that the Bill had passed without amendment. Following Royal Assent the Bill will come into Law in 2023. It brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK nations, where all eligible adult citizens are deemed to have consented to be potential organ donors, with an option to opt out if they choose. At present potential donors must explicitly opt to sign the donor register to be considered. Consent rates here are currently at 64%, and it is hoped to raise this following the Bill becoming law to around 80%. A period of intense education, training and public awareness will begin to enable the public to discuss today’s change, and convey their wishes to their families, who will continue to be consulted in any situation where organ donation is being considered
The Organ and Tissue (Deemed Consent) Bill has now passed the Further Consideration Stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly today. We look forward to the Final Stage. For now, this might prompt you to have a chat about #OrganDonation or find out more about its amazing gift of life at www.organdonationni.info