Funding will help Kidney Donation and Improve Lives

PRESS STATEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7 June 2012

Funding will help Kidney Donation and Improve Lives

Kidney Health New Zealand today congratulated Health Minister Tony Ryall and Michael Woodhouse MP on their announcement of significant funding to support and encourage kidney donation.

"I know from personal experience how receiving a donated kidney can completely change a person's life," said Dave Henderson, the Chair of Kidney Health New Zealand.

"We have been working with the Health Ministry and with Mr Woodhouse to identify the best ways to increase transplantation, and Government has responded with targeted funds for those areas," said Mr Henderson.

"As the Minister identified, over 600 New Zealanders are currently waiting and hoping to receive a new kidney. I was one of those, and at the time I was too ill to work more than part-time or to carry on many of the family and recreation activities that most New Zealanders take for granted.

"After my original kidneys failed and had to be removed I had to do dialysis for 3 years before I was fortunate to receive a donated kidney, and with it I received a whole new lease on life. I'm able to live a full life again" said Mr Henderson.

"Research on the costs and benefits of kidney dialysis compared to transplantation is very clear in what it shows. Quite apart from the potential improvement in quality of life of the patient and their family, there are significant financial savings for the country in transplantation.

"Keeping people on dialysis is very expensive, and the cost is growing as the number of people needing it grows. While there is an upfront cost for the transplant operation, the longer term costs for a successful transplant are much less" said Mr Henderson.

"In thanking the Minister and Mr Woodhouse for their commitment, Kidney Health New Zealand also acknowledges and thanks all those New Zealanders who have in the past already donated a kidney. By that decision those donors and their families have made a huge and positive difference for other individuals and families. We have the greatest respect for that"

Kidney Health New Zealand website: http://www.kidneys.co.nz/

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