Kidney patients from across Powys have joined forces to launch a Kidney Wales Foundation Committee representing the county. And top of the Committee’s agenda will be to drive forward plans for a purpose built dialysis unit in Welshpool.

Currently around 90 patients from Powys undergo dialysis because of kidney failure. Yet those who are unable to dialyise at home have to travel to hospitals outside the county for the specialist treatment. For many this can mean journeys totaling more than 140 miles, three times a week, to Glan Clwyd Hospital in St Asaph or Maelor Hospital in Wrexham – the nearest Welsh dialysis units.

The committee, which will be supported and funded by the Kidney Wales Foundation, is led by Chairperson Trudi Hill from Newtown.

She said: “The Committee has an important role to raise awareness of the inadequate renal service that exists in Powys. The demand for dialysis is increasing in the area every year. The impact of kidney failure upon the patient and the family is massive making the need for a dialysis unit in Welshpool vitally important.”

The Committee met for the first time at a special launch at the Corn Exchange in Welshpool on Tuesday (February 10) and is already planning its first fundraising initiative – the Welshpool Specsavers Walk for Life, which will take place along with other walks across Powys in Machynlleth and Newtown on March 29 to raise money for Kidney Wales. In total, 50 walks will be staged throughout Wales by supporters for the charity.

The Committee is being supported by former Assembly Member and the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Montgomeryshire Glyn Davies.

He said: “Kidney patients have been fighting for a number of years for a dialysis unit in Welshpool. The launch of the Kidney Wales Foundation Powys Committee gives these patients a vehicle to unite as one in their important efforts and lead to change. It will also play an equally important role in raising life-saving funds to support the Kidney Wales Foundation’s work in Powys and Wales.”

Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We have worked hard in representing the views of kidney patients across Wales – particularly in Powys – to the Health Minister Edwina Hart and she has listened and sent a huge message of hope and support to the good people of the county by committing the finances for a new dialysis unit in Welshpool.

“The Kidney Wales Foundation Powys Committee will play an important role in supporting this commitment.”

For more information about the Kidney Wales Powys Committee contact Trudi Hill at [email protected].

For more information about the Walk for Life or to organise your own walk contact the Kidney Wales Walk for Life team on 029 2034 3940 or visit www.kidneywales.com.