Hanka - Hunter And Northern Kidney Association

An organisation of patients and supporters dedicated to improving the lifestyle of those suffering from renal failure and renal disease in the region.

The Hunter and Northern Kidney Association was created in 1982 by a handful of volunteers in response to the needs of the growing number of people with kidney failure in the Hunter Valley and northern New South Wales.

We meet at the Wansey Dialysis Centre at 7pm on the second Tuesday of every month, except January.

Renal failure means that the kidneys stop working. Kidneys are two small but vital organs whose job is to
* Remove waste products and excess fluid from blood as urine
* Keep body chemicals and hormones in balance, essential for good blood pressure
* Help in the production of red blood cells and formation of healthy bones.

Kidney disease is a 'Silent Killer' which has no warnings, and very few symptoms. It effects one in three Australians.

* We can lose 90% function before even feeling sick
* More than one Australian dies with kidney related disease every 30 minutes
* On average 50 Australians die of kidney failure each day

Since 1982 HANKA has provided over $1, 000, 000 to help hundreds of requests for assistance. We provided all funding to build HANKA House, where patients and carers can stay at a very low rate when vising hospital for training or appointments.

We help support patients and families dialysing at home when required with such things as. . .

* Blood pressure machines
* Weight scales
* Home dialysis chairs

Helping patients and the broader community:

* Electronically controlled dialysis chairs (over $5, 000 each)
* A life-saving plasmapherisis machine
* Hospital equipment to improve quality of life (refrigerators, toasters, DVDs, ice machines, TVs)
* Haemoglobin blood testing machines
* Furnishing, maintenance and extensions to HANKA House
* Vascular access monitor
* Information support for patient care
• Simulation training equipment (over $9, 000)