Moree Renal Unit staff and Moree Lions Club members with the donated heated throws. Front row, from left, Jisna Jose, Cherry Colen, Maddie Hutton, Simone Almond, Nerelle Peters, Lyn Moore, Beth Hearn and Malcolm Peters. Back row, from left, Carissa Constable, Jins Joy, Stephen Long and Colin Paton. Image supplied.
Patients receiving dialysis at Moree Hospital will have a little more comfort during lengthy treatment sessions thanks to a donation of heated throws from Moree Lions Club.
The club has committed to donating 21 heated throws to the hospital’s renal unit. Eight have already been delivered, with the remaining blankets to arrive once new stock becomes available.
According to Hunter New England Local Health District, dialysis patients can spend between four and eight hours receiving treatment in the renal unit. During dialysis, a patient’s body temperature can fluctuate, making it difficult to stay warm.
Health Service Manager Joanne Butler said the donation would provide welcome comfort for patients.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Moree Lions Club for their generous donation and continued support of Moree Hospital,” she said.
“These electric throw blankets will provide additional warmth and comfort for our dialysis patients, who often spend four to eight hours in treatment in the renal unit.
“A patient’s body temperature can fluctuate during dialysis, so the blankets will help provide comfort throughout longer treatment sessions.”
The health district said the electric throws had been fully vetted and approved for use in the renal unit in line with Australian clinical safety standards.
Simone Almond, Nurse Unit Manager for the Moree Renal Unit, accepted the donation on behalf of staff and patients and thanked Moree Lions Club for its ongoing support.
Moree Lions Club president Lyn Moore said the renal unit normally receives an annual donation through the club’s community disbursement program. This year, staff requested heated throws instead.
“The money earned from our barbecues belongs to the district and needs to be given back. Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion,” Ms Moore said.
The presentation was attended by Lions District Governor Nerelle Peters, Past Council Chairman Malcolm Peters, secretary Colin Paton, treasurer Beth Hearn, Stephen Long and other Moree Renal Unit staff.
