Disposal of C(APD) WasteThe subject of disposal of dialysis waste from C(APD) patients has recently been raised and we the SKF are asking questions about the different methods of disposal of C(APD) waste throughout Scotland. There is no blood transfer in C(APD) but the waste produced such as tubing, dressings and fluid bags aren't biodegradeable. We have discovered that the climate of thought and change for C(APD) waste disposal differs throughout Scotland. they are; (1) C(APD) waste is disposed of in normal household rubbish, wrapped in carrier bags. With a patient doing either 4-6 exchanges a day or overnight dialysis requiring longer tubing and 4-6 bags of fluid, this adds bulk to the household waste. The local council SHOULD offer a larger wheelie bin to accommodate this extra waste. The main concern with this is that the plastic & rubber in the C(APD) waste is not biodegradable and would remain in a landfiill site for many years, Also, advising patients to dsipose of waste wrapped in carrier bags goes against the current campaign to reduce carrier bag use because of their inability to biodegrade. (2) C(APD) waste is treated as Clinical Waste and disposed of in clinical waste bags (orange or yellow) and collected by a dedicated clinical waste collection team from the council. This waste is taken for incineration. It is eco friendly and waste is disposed of immediately, there are no harmful gases. Patients are obviously concerned about this subject. We at the SKF would like your views on this, how yours is disposed of locally. The SKF need your feedback in order to decide whether we should be taking this issue up with the relevant Renal Bodies in order to clarify the variation in thinking. Is it cost-cutting or is it better to dispose of in a landfill site?, You can contact us on scottishkidneyfederation@yahoo.com Organ Donation It is currently illegal under UK law to offer an organ for payment or to receive payment for organ donation. Should any patient be approached with the offer of an organ for payment - this should be reported immediately. Re-imbursement of expenses for live-donors is common when that donor has had to take time off work and time to recuperate after donating an organ. For more information, please contact your Consultant, or the Transplant or Donor co-ordinator attached to your unit. KIDNEY RESEARCH UK Kidney Research UK is a UK wide charity whose mission is to fund life-saving research into kidney disease, to improve the quality of life of those with kidney disease and to increase public awareness of kidney health. They are seeking applications for patients/carers interested in becoming part of the Scottish Lay Advisory Committee. The term is for 3 years with an option for a second 3-year term. It is a voluntary position, with out-of-pocket expenses paid. Attendance is required at 2 face-to-face meetings per year, with a requirement for e-mail or telephone contact during the term. Anyone interested should contact Elaine Davies at 01733-704658 or via e-mail at elainedavies@kidneyresearchuk.org Artist seeks kidney patients A Conceptual art installation is planned as part of Warwickshire Artsweek in July 2008. Artist Grace Newman is seeking patients who are waiting for a kidney transplant, and may be willing to take part in research for the project. Patients participation would involve answering 6 questions and providing a photograph (all optional). Patients taking part will be sent photographs of the finished artwork. The idea behind the work is to help raise awareness of the need for more donor organs. If you can help, please e-mail Grace or phone her on 07767015428. Deadline 28th June.
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