Kidney charity race jockeys visit dialysis unit

A number of the 22 amateur jockeys taking part in the 34th running of the Punchestown Festival Charity Race, which this year will reach the total of €2 million raised, got a direct experience last week of how their efforts help those with kidney-related illness. On a visit to the Vartry Renal Unit at Tallaght University Hospital, they met patients on dialysis and dialysis staff. 

Molly Rajesh, clinical nurse manager in the Vartry Unit, described to the group the multi-disciplinary care involved for a patient receiving dialysis. The Vartry Renal Dialysis Unit is one of three dialysis facilities, including University Hospital Waterford and Wexford General Hospital, where PKRF-sponsored art and music programmes are happening.

In addition to the jockeys present, the group included CEO of Punchestown Racecourse Conor O'Neill and race director Richie Galway, along with Kilcullen businessman James Nolan, the founder of the charity race. PKRF was established by James to administer money raised by the race. 

Tallaght University Hospital arts and health manager Ali Baker Kerrigan demonstrated to the visiting group how the ambience of the hospital itself has benefited from the arts and health programme, highlighting two key projects led by artist-in-residence Lucia Barnes. 

The Sky’s the Limit project with 36 colourful balloons displayed in the atrium was the result of a colouring competition, with submissions from patients, staff and community members. Many patients on dialysis also participated, as they spend up to four hours a day on an average of three days a week connected to machines which keep them alive. 

The Forget Me Never mosaic tree was also created by Lucia Barnes, now working with dialysis patients for 22 years at the hospital. The tree features leaves entirely designed by dialysis patients, their families and dialysis staff. Other artworks by the patients decorate corridors in the Hospital and the programme has been boosted in recent years by the involvement of fellow artist-in-residence Olivia Hassett.

During her presentation Ali Baker Kerrigan spoke of Art at the Bedside sessions which are happening on a weekly basis throughout the year with patient and staff feedback suggesting patients love it. "Having dialysis treatment can be quite isolating," she says. "Patients note boredom if they cannot sleep or there is nothing interesting on the TV … so they're all extremely grateful for the inclusion of this programme." 

In addition, a relatively new project called 'Connections’ aims to encourage a conversation between the patient and artist about the many ways humans connect both with each other and the world around us. Patients create a visual art piece representing their idea on two A5 watercolour sheets, which will later be showcased in an exhibition.

The Soothing Sounds live music programme was also presented and experienced on the ward by the group. The live music sessions are performed by professional musicians in residence: Dr Sophie Lee and Justin McCann on piano and Dr Mary Louise O'Donnell on harp. A recent survey noted 100% of patients and staff found the music relaxing and calming and would like to see it continue.

Outlining the work of PKRF, James Nolan noted the provision of a holiday home in Kerry for dialysis patients and their families, funding for a renal unit at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, and providing financial support for a number of kidney-related research programmes, including nocturnal dialysis, which has proved particularly helpful in pregnancy for women with complex kidney disease. 

Another recent initiative has been helping the Irish Kidney Association establish a Pilot Peer Support programme for all kidney patients in Ireland and their families who are dealing with being a dialysis or transplant patient. The James Tracy/PKRF/Kidney Beam Exercise programme was also established to enable dialysis and transplant patients to access free specific exercise classes. 

PKRF also continue to support research into Polycystic Kidney Disease in partnership with the Irish Nephrology Society under the guidance of the Irish Research Council.

This year's charity race includes riders from counties Kildare, Clare, Longford, Cork, Limerick, Wexford, Wicklow and Down, as well as participants from England, Wales, Italy and Poland. Rob Harrison from Longford has a strong connection with horses as an experienced show jumper and with family members involved in the racing industry. 

"I saw that applications were open last November and it was the same month my son was born, so I applied for it," he says. "I've been riding out with local trainer Paul Flynn and Gavin Cromwell in Meath. I've lost a lot of weight in the process and I'm well committed and ready to go." 

Rob has never competed in a race before and had to complete the fitness and competency course at RACE to get his racing licence.

Sarah Costello from Co Clare is also well familiar with horses from her family's business in raising foals to sell as three-year-olds and point-to-pointers. She also has a direct interest in that her father, who had been on dialysis for a number of years, received a transplant a short time ago. "My cousin took part in the race about three years ago. It's a great cause and I decided that I'd do it too, and raise awareness and funds. It'll be exciting too."

The Tallaght University Hospital Vartry Renal Dialysis Unit has been operational for five years and provides service to some 170 patients each week with a dedicated staff of 25-30 people.