The Evening’s Program – Vocational visit to the new Renal Unit of Barwon Health on 29 January.
This was a huge success with all feedback very positive. It was well attended, and pleasing to see several guests of Rotarians enjoying the opportunity to learn more about the world class renal services offered in Geelong…and the role which the Rotary clubs in Geelong played in bring such into being.
Warren, who organised the visit, chaired the event and first up introduced Dr Christine Somerville, Director of the Renal Unit and a senior nephrologist.
Christine spoke to us about all things kidney - their function, disease, treatment, dialysis, transplants, etc.
We learned that the main cause of kidney disease is diabetes, often leading to the need for dialysis.
Other major causes are high blood pressure and auto-immune problems.
Richard Knight, Director of Operations, then talked to us about Rotary’s role in bringing dialysis services to Geelong.
In 1989, Geelong Rotary clubs, including Geelong East Rotary, raised $185,000 to refurbish the St Margaret’s Annexe as a dialysis centre of the Geelong Hospital.
The annexe, under the leadership of Professor John Agar, became known as Rotary House and served the Geelong community for thirty years.
Prior to Rotary House, Geelong patients had to travel to Prince Henry’s Hospital in Melbourne three days a week to receive their 4 to 5 hours of dialysis treatment each day.
In 1989 there were six dialysis patients; today there are 170, supported by renal services in South Geelong, Newcomb Community Centre, the University Geelong Hospital, with a new centre to be built in Norlane.
About 40 percent of Geelong’s renal patients come from the northern areas of the city.
Barwon Health also supports dialysis patients in regional hospitals in Colac, Lorne and Portland.
In 2000, Professor John Agar introduced nocturnal dialysis to Geelong, a first for Australia.
His pioneering work has been honoured nationally and internationally, and today over one-third of Geelong-based dialysis patients are on some form of home dialysis that is conducted at night while they are asleep.
In August 2018, the Department of Renal Medicine and Home Dialysis Unit relocated from Rotary House to the brand new Renal Services building at 74-76 Swanston Street.
We were assured that the name ‘Rotary House’ will continue at St Margaret’s Annexe.
The presentations by Christine and Richard were followed by a tour of the facilities where we had every opportunity to ask lots of questions. Our hosts were very generous with their time and expertise.
We then adjourned to the ‘Elephant and Castle’ for a great meal in pleasant surroundings.
All in all a very special opportunity to learn more about our community and the influential role Rotary has played and continues to play.
(Editor’s note: Many thanks to Club Secretary Jenny for this report).
