We would encourage members and their carers to please support Suzanne Lester, the Liver Unit Physiotherapist in the RVH, with her vital research work on behalf of fellow liver patients and carers. Please contact her as soon as possible if you are willing to participate.
Thanks
Jim Kilpatrick
Chairman
Following the recent passing of our member Jacqueline Angelone her family requested that donations in lieu of flowers would be welcomed in the name of the Liver Support Group.
We have acknowledged receipt of a particularly generous amount freely given by her family and friends. This will be used to further our support of existing and future liver patients, and to assist in providing vital equipment and resources for the Regional Liver Unit based in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Our thanks go to her husband Marino, her sons Stefano and Marco, and everyone who donated.
One small crumb of comfort for the family from Jacqueline’s passing was that in the end she herself became an organ donor, forever changing the lives of two people she never knew. They are rightly proud.
Almost 90 members, guests and friends came together for our first members’ lunch since 2019 at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim today. We are delighted that so many not only enjoyed the food but also the opportunity to meet fellow liver patients and old friends, and to make new friends as well. Here are just a few pictures to share with you; hope you enjoy them.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
RBHSC Children’s Gastro Nurses in association with the RVH Liver Support Group enjoyed a great day out today with many young liver patents and their families at the Sixmile Leisure Centre in Ballyclare. Among the many things to do was badminton, bouncy castle, arts& crafts, refreshments and of course kids treats!!
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.