The Barker Mill Foundation has continued its support of University Hospital Southampton with a donation of £37,500 to Southampton Hospitals Charity, which will go towards the immediate funding of a Point of Care Testing machine, vital in the prevention, care and treatment of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
Acute Kidney Injury, usually seen in older people, can happen as a complication of another serious illness rather than a physical blow. It can range from minor loss of kidney function to complete kidney failure, so fast detection and rapid treatment is essential to prevent further organ damage.
Joint Interim Director at Southampton Hospitals Charity, Jeneen Thomsen said: “Each year around 200 patients admitted to A&E and in need of acute medical care are also suffering from an Acute Kidney Injury. Without proper, prompt and appropriate treatment the condition can lead to significant damage to the kidneys and other vital organs. Whilst bloods and urine samples are taken on a patient’s admission to the department it can take time to get back results, in which time a patient’s AKI can get worse.
“The Point of Care Testing device machine funded by the Barker Mill Foundation will rapidly detect if a patient has an AKI and allow clinical staff to treat them quickly, prevent further damage and tailor their care and medication. We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the Foundation which will enable us to further enhance patient care whilst providing world class healthcare.”
Southampton Hospital Charity helps to enhance the care and treatment of patients at University Hospital Southampton, working with their partners to raise funds and provide financial support to areas of the hospital service that lie beyond the scope of NHS funding.
Tim Jobling, Trustee at the Barker-Mill Foundation said “We are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to University Hospital Southampton’s rapid treatment of Acute Kidney Injury. We are delighted to know that the donation assisted with the purchase of the new equipment that will help clinical staff to treat the 200 patients admitted to A&E also suffering from an AKI. Preventing further risk of significant damage to the kidneys and other organs, is importance in helping to alleviate any additional demands on the NHS which we are only too pleased to support.”
For further information on Southampton Hospital Charity please visit their website at www.southamptonhospitalscharity.org .