Sue-Ellen says thanks to renal unit

A LURGAN woman, who completed her degree course this summer despite undergoing a kidney transplant, has paid tribute the nurses who saved her life.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Oct 2010, 13:13 BST
Updated 19th Oct 2010, 19:23 BST

Sue-Ellen Geddis recognised the tremendous work of Daisy Hill Hospital’s Renal Unit by donating illustrations from her completed art degree.

The 26-year-old received a 2:1 BA Honours degree in Creative Imaging this summer despite having undergone a kidney transplant at the second attempt last year.

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Sue-Ellen had attended the unit for dialysis for over three years before being offered a transplant. Unfortunately her first transplant was rejected but in April 2009, she underwent a second attempt which has been a success.

The Lurgan woman said: “The series of illustrations is a visual narrative of a personal journey.

"They document my experiences, emotions and the realities of my life in the past several years.

“I chose to use the medium of illustration as a form of expression to help address a lot of challenging circumstances that I have faced and in some ways still continue to face."

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She added: “I have donated the six pieces to the Renal Unit to thank the amazing staff for all of their support and to offer other patients hope.

“Thankfully I am doing well but I still attend the Renal Outpatients Department at Daisy Hill Hospital where they keep a close check on me.”

The Renal Unit at Daisy Hill Hospital treats patients with kidney disease from across the Southern Trust area. The modern unit has 30 haemodialysis machines which are used by 120 patients each week.

Dr Gillian Rankin, Interim Director of Acute Services for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: “Sue-Ellen is a remarkable young woman and certainly an inspiration to all of our staff and other patients.

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"Because they attend the unit regularly, staff become very close to our dialysis patients.

“Everyone is delighted that Sue-Ellen is doing so well and are touched that she has donated her beautiful art which she put so much effort into.”

There are around 7,974 people across the UK waiting for organ transplants.

Last year 3,693 transplants took place but there is still an average of three people dying each day as they wait for a suitable organ to become available.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register and give the gift of life, log on to www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 1300 123 123.