The funds will be used to purchase Kidney Kare Kits for home dialysis patients, as well as two computer tablets that will enable the unit’s Renal Outreach Service to use technology to contact directly with patients and their specialist clinicians.

The funds were raised during the retirement village’s annual craft show held in September.

Organiser Dian Barnes said the craft show was an opportunity to showcase the talents of many of the village’s residents while raising funds to support a local health service and local patients.

“There are plenty of great causes to support, but this year we really wanted to focus on keeping the donation local,” Ms Barnes said.

“We were aware of the great work of the renal service because we have a connection to the service through some of our residents, so when we were told about the need for care packages for home dialysis patients, we were immediately on board.”

Hastings Macleay Renal Services nursing unit manager Trish Campbell thanked the Dahlsford Grove community for their support, which also included a commissioned artwork for the unit.

“The Dahlsford Grove Lifestyle Village residents have been strong supporters of the Renal Unit over many years and funds raised will help some of our patients in the most practical of ways,” Ms Campbell said.

“We talked to our home dialysis patients about what they wanted, and based on their advice we then developed the Kidney Kare Kits which contain weigh scales, BP machine, torch, tape dispenser, notepad and pen. 

“We can’t thank everyone at Dahlsford enough for their kindness in helping us to create the kits. It makes a big difference in the lives of our patients,” Ms Campbell said.