Kidney health connects all the members of the Ashburton Kidney Society support group.
They are either kidney transplant recipients or their family member, a living donor, or have lost someone close to them through kidney failure.
Members have been offering support in the district and promoting kidney awareness for more than 40 years.
It is a small group of around 20 volunteers but kidney health was becoming a growing issue.
President Charlie Hill, a living donor, said to raise awareness about kidney health, the society had bought a blood pressure testing machine last year, and set about offering free blood pressure tests at community gatherings around the district.
High blood pressure is an early sign of kidney failure, he said.
This year, more than 250 people were tested at the Mayfield and Methven A&P shows, and in Ashburton at the Waitangi Day market and Multi Cultural Bite event. It was a chance for members to raise awareness about kidney health and the society.
The machine, in which people slip their arm for testing, automatically reads blood pressure and provides printouts of results.
It was bought following a kind donation and, with support from New World, the society also offered free water bottles at each event.
Secretary Andy Bryant, also a living donor, said the machine allowed the society to operate more independently.
‘‘A simple blood pressure test is a good way of keeping an eye on your health. If your blood pressure is high, your heart works harder with every heartbeat.
‘‘Constant high blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. This increases your risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and other health issues.”
Bryant said the club had also received numerous donations from people, clubs and societies around the district which helped cover costs providing support.
But ultimately funds would go towards members’ goal of helping to establish a kidney dialysis facility in Ashburton.
‘‘Currently, those requiring dialysis have to either self dialysis or travel to Christchurch. Dialysis is a demanding procedure on both the patient and their support network around them,” Bryant said.
Hill said he was buoyed by a 1News report last month where Health NZ chief clinical officer Dr Richard Sullivan said planning work was actively under way to address the issue, and reduce variations in care between different parts of the country.
In that interview, Sullivan said he wanted to offer care closer to where people were, mooting Ashburton as a potential option in the future for rural patients in Canterbury.
Hill hoped that future would see a couple of dialysis units in Ashburton.
Anyone wanting to know more about the society — or to donate — can pop along to their annual general meeting on Wednesday, 7pm at Hato Hone St John, Tancred St, Ashburton or get in touch via Ashburton Kidney Society Facebook page or email [email protected]
Guest speaker at the meeting is nutritionist Sarah MacAvoy.
