australia’s second-longest living kidney recipient At just 22, Michael Anderson faced a grim diagnosis of acute nephritis, with doctors warning his parents that he might not make it to Christmas. With no transplants or dialysis available at the time, his outlook was bleak. Everything changed in 1970 when he received a kidney from a 21-year-old deceased donor. Now 81 years old, Michael is one of the
donation. Once you die, you could save seven people.” His transplant not only saved his life but also allowed him to marry, have two children, and welcome two grandchildren. “I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to live a full life and do anything I wanted to do,” Michael said. “I’ve never forgotten the family and donor who made it possible for me to live.” Jersey Day on August 30 is a national event that promotes organ donation awareness and encourages people to register as donors to save lives.
longest-surviving kidney transplant recipients in the world and the second longest-living kidney transplant recipient in Australia. He has lived with his kidney transplant for a remarkable 54 years. The transplant gave Michael a new lease on life. “Since I had a kidney transplant, there’s nothing I couldn’t do,” he said. After working for 30 years at Channel 7, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a farmer, setting up a dairy farm 21 years after his transplant. Michael is deeply grateful to the Renal Transplant physicians at Royal North Shore Hospital who have cared for him over the years “I’ve gone through a few specialists since I got my kidney. I’ve had incredible medical help, especially from Dr Bruce Cooper who has been fantastic to me,” he said. “I want to see everyone registered for organ
Michael with his sheep on his farm
Experiencing Dementia: Workshop Provides Insight Before the role-play begins, Allyson Waird cautions 11 RNSH social workers that the experience may be confronting.
She advises strategies like speaking calmly and not rushing questions. “This exercise helps staff understand why patients might be agitated,” said Maurice.
“You are individuals with dementia being admitted to hospital. This exercise aims to help you better understand your patients,” said Allyson, a clinical nurse consultant in aged care, delirium, and dementia. The dementia workshop, running since the early 2000s across Northern Sydney Local Health District, involves staff from various roles, including nurses and allied health workers. Participants wear masks and hospital pyjamas while completing confusing tasks amid blaring white noise. Dr Maurice Finn and clinical nurse consultant Vanessa Cawis, also masked, play roles by ignoring or giving unhelpful responses. After 15 minutes, the role-play ends, and the group discusses their feelings, such as bewildered, scared, and patronised. Allyson explained that the experience mirrors how dementia patients feel, with confusion and noise reflecting their daily challenges.
Allyson Waird, Maurice Finn and Vanessa Cawis at the dementia awareness class
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 16| 23 AUGUST 2024
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