Lourdes Visit Report

Early in September the LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation helped to fund a trip to Lourdes for the renal patients at Mater Dei Hospital in Malta. Renal Nurse Josette Parnis brings us this report: On the 1st September at 4am the Maltese contingent arrived at Lourdes. The Maltese contingent included 16 Renal patients, nurses from the Renal Unit and the ward’s doctor. On Saturday morning 13 of the renal patients visited St.Jean de la Baptiste clinic to have their routine dialysis accompanied by the nurses and the doctor. The other three were automated peritoneal dialysis patients. This is carried out at night by a specialized machine, and therefore there was no need for them to visit the clinic. Several hours of preparation are required to get organized ahead of this pilgrimage. Things like: the dialysate solutions, virology screening, blood investigations, APD machines, treatments such as peritoneal treatment, health forms and much more were prepared beforehand by the nurses. The fact that the patients had all the equipment which he/she is normally concerned about before going abroad already prepared, motivated the patients to visit Lourdes. Our volunteering duties included trying to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible and helping them in their routine needs, such as, wheeling the patients for the procession and other spiritual functions. At Lourdes the patients seemed to have found personal spirituality as well as made new friends. The Renal patients thanked all the volunteers incessantly as they knew it was a great experience which they would not have been able to take part in if it was not for their continuous support. All in all it was a great experience, one which I, as a volunteer, would never forget. Through such an experience, I as a staff nurse who has been working at the renal Unit for these last 23 years, I can conclude that it is an experience like this sort which improves the quality of life of End Stage Renal Failure patients. Despite the hassle involved prior the pilgrimage and during our stay in Lourdes, I must say that I am very proud that I was part of this voluntary work and I was able to be as helpful as possible. I would like to thank the LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation which has sponsored volunteers including me for this pilgrimage. Thank you Josette Parnis Renal Nurse