This week our Renal Service will celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first kidney dialysis treatment in the Highlands, held at Raigmore Hospital in March 1976.
An informal get together for current and former dialysis and transplant patients, staff and former staff members was held today (Friday 13th March) which, as well as looking back at the early days and development of the Highland Renal Service, was an opportunity for attendees to mix and share memories and experiences.
Dr Ken McDonald, Consultant Renal Physician and Clinical Lead, said: “In the decades since that first treatment, the service has expanded to include renal units in Fort William, Wick, Stornoway and Broadford which have enabled people to receive treatment closer to home. Over one thousand patients have received regular dialysis since the service started and several hundred have also gone on to receive kidney transplants.
“Dialysis technology has advanced considerably over this time and treatment nowadays is delivered by state of the art computer-controlled machinery adjusted to the precise individual needs of the patient. Research over the years has also help to identify key strategies to keep people as healthy as possible while they undergo dialysis. Most dialysis treatments take place in a hospital setting under the supervision of specially trained nurses but home-based treatment is also an option for some patients who can then avoid the need to travel to hospital several times per week.”
Huge thanks to everyone who came along to help us celebrate 50 years since the first kidney dialysis treatment in the Highlands. It was great to see current and former dialysis and transplant patients, staff and former staff members mixing and sharing memories as we marked this milestone.