News Items
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August 2019
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Chairman’s Late Summer Chatter
Hello one and all and welcome once again to another Chairman’s Chatter. I must offer my most sincere apologies that my last chatter was last Christmas. Although I have been quiet on the chatter front it has once again been a very busy period for ART and the committee, a period that I do believe has been very productive. Preparations are in full swing for the 2019 National Conference, with flyers and booking forms available on the ART website. 2019 will see us holding conference at a new venue which is Crewe Hall. This looks a fantastic venue and I hope to see many of you in October and look forward to your feedback on not only the new venue but also the standard of the presentations on this year’s programme. Plans are being formulated to find ways that ART can help to fund attendance for members at conference. The ART website continues to see a high number of visits and the forum is active which some very thought provoking threads. As always we are indebted to Ian Wilde for his work as Website Administrator, thank you Ian. I’m sure Ian would welcome any suggestions that you may have, it’s your website so let’s keep it evolving. 2019 saw the formation of the ART Education Group, now fondly known as ART Ed and work progresses at pace on refreshing the ART Training Scheme. Online registrations are working well and to date five expressions of interest in the new scheme have been received. There will be a presentation on the new scheme at conference and I’m sure you will be very impressed by what you see and hear. I’m also pleased to say that RCT will accept successful completion of the new scheme as an entry route onto the register. Another work stream for ART has been contributing the workforce review currently being undertaken by BRS. As some of you may be aware ART issued a technical workforce questionnaire earlier this year to units, chief techs and technical managers. Whilst the return rate was low it did provide very useful data which has been analysed and reported back to BRS. It is hoped that BRS will be in a position to release the new workforce recommendation by October this year and I will give further updates in my annual report at the 2019 ART AGM which is held at conference. As another year rapidly passes Brexit remains one of the constant topics on the political agenda but we have seen a change in Prime Minister so who knows exactly where we are heading, I certainly don’t……………………………………………. So as my brief Chatter draws to a close I hope that you can see that once again it has been a very busy year for ART. Enjoy what remains of our summer and I hope to see many of you at conference in October. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
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June 2019
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Scottish Renal Association Conference 2019Thursday 24 October – Friday 25 October 2019
Easterbrook Hall, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4TL Confirmed speakers, with more to follow, are: Professor Sir Harry Burns, Professor Wim Van Biesen, Professor Angela Webster, Professor Maarten Taal Nursing programme will be themed around mental health, vascular access and clinical improvement. Registration is now open until 11 October 2019 with early bird registration deadline of 20 September 2019 (registration on site is not available) Accommodation at the Holiday Inn is available at a special rate of £85.00 B&B pppn To book a room please call the hotel direct, Monday – Friday 0830 – 1800hrs on T:01387 272 410 – option 2 and quote Ref EASB231019 You must provide a valid credit/debit card to confirm the reservation (please call the number and not central reservations as they do not have access to the Ref or special rate). Special rate is available until 28.09.19 or until no room availability so don’t delay and book asap. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS NOW OPEN! Deadline is 1700hrs Friday 30 August 2019 – no late applications will be permitted. The SRA continues to have £100 prizes for the best abstract submitted by a Nurse/AHP, Medical Student and for the best science abstract. We now have three prizes (£100, £75, £50) for the best presentations by a non-consultant, awarded in the Prize Abstract Session. All those awarded best abstract are eligible (if you are a SRA member) to apply for a £500 SRA Bursary with those awarded 2nd and 3rd in the medical presentations eligible to apply for £250 SRA Bursary to assist with presenting work at other national and/or international meetings Conference Dinner & Ceilidh on Thursday 24th October with The Roving Pedlars Ceilidh Band £35 for consultants / £25 for other staff Donna Wright Scottish Renal Association Administrator T: 0131 242 1715 F: 0131 241 1739 http://www.srr.scot.nhs.uk/SRA/Main.htm |
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March 2019
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Dear ART membership
For those who were present at the 2018 National Conference and AGM you will recall that our current ART President Dr Paul Rylance had given notice that he wished to stand-down. Dr Rylance was happy to continue until such time as a new President was appointed, for which ART were extremely grateful and thanks were given accordingly. At conference and subsequent Executive Committee meetings names were put forward for consideration to take on the role of President. The Committee were happy with the suggestions and following contact those put forward all indicated that they would be more than happy to take on the role. Following further discussion at the Committee meeting held on 21st February a post-meeting vote was held with the Committee unanimously voting for one of the candidates. Before I proceed with the announcement I would like to share with you the thanks that has already been communicated to Dr Rylance. I wish to express not only my sincerest and deepest of thanks but also those of the ART Executive Committee and the wider ART membership to you for your time as ART President. Your contributions were greatly received and welcomed and I hope that we as a professional body with your support as President played a role in maintaining focus and continued awareness on the very important subject of patient safety. On behalf of the ART Executive Committee it now gives me great pleasure to announce David Keane as our new President and I’m sure that you will join me in wishing David every success in his role. Some of you will know David but for those that don’t here is a short introduction. David is a Clinical Scientist in the Department of Renal Medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. Having trained in the field of Clinical Measurement in the Department of Medical Physics in Leeds, he started to work with Dr Elizabeth Lindley in the renal unit in 2009 and has spent the last decade working alongside her before her recent retirement. David provides scientific support to the renal unit alongside delivering a number of research studies. His particular interest is in the use of technology for fluid management, completing his PhD in the use of bio impedance in haemodialysis patients, but is keen to optimise the use of all technology in renal medicine and is excited to try to work with the ART community towards this goal. David has also been teaching on the Bradford Renal Technology Course for a number of years and is keen to develop the training and education of renal technologists. He is very much looking forward to taking on this role. The plan now moving forward is that Dr Rylance will remain as President until the 2019 National Conference at which point there will be a formal handover to David and we are hoping that both David and Paul will be joining us for part if not all of the conference. As a final note and as conference has been mentioned the provisional dates for the 2019 ART National Conference are 9th to 11th October and we are currently looking at an exciting new venue. Best wishes and kind regards Roger – ART Chair. |
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December 2018
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Ingenious upcycling turns discarded medical device into water filter
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December 2018
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Chairman’s Christmas Chatter
Chairman’s Christmas Chatter Hello one and all and welcome to my Chairman’s Christmas Chatter. As I sit here typing I find myself wondering just where has 2018 gone? It doesn’t seem 5 minutes since the Beast from the East which was then followed by a wonderfully sunny heat wave period. I appreciate that heat waves are not to everyone’s taste but it did make for some wonderfully relaxing balmy evenings and weekends. We also opened the year with Brexit firmly in the news and it is no different as we head towards Christmas and the New Year shortly afterwards. Once again the past year has seen ART and the committee have another very busy and productive year. My last Chatter was in July so what has happened since.................. Final preparations for the 2018 National Conference were completed, producing what I believe was another excellent conference. The presentations were once again excellent and generated a great deal of healthy debate. The Conference was very well attended given the pressures that many find in securing funding and study leave approval. Peter Jones never fails as Conference Organiser and once again did an excellent job, thank you Peter. This was our third year at Belton Woods and the committee now feel it is time to look for another venue for the 2019 Conference. If you have any suggestions for a conference venue or topics for presentations then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the committee or post your thoughts on the ART website forum. If you attended I hope that the Conference met your expectations and if you were unable to attend then I and the other committee members hope to see you at the 2019 National Conference. Plans are being formulated to find ways that ART can help to fund attendance for members at conference. The ART website continues to go from strength to strength, indicated by the number of visits and uptake and use of the Forum. Thanks go to Ian Wilde for his work as Website Administrator and I’m sure Ian would welcome any suggestions that you may have, it’s your website so let’s keep it evolving. Ian is also at present looking to launch an electronic newsletter, please think about contributing to this, let us know what is going on in your units. Mark Morris continues with the review of the ART Training Scheme and revamping of the documentation. Mark gave an excellent presentation at conference and he looks set to build upon the wonderful work done by all those involved with the ART Training Scheme from its inception many years ago. We are truly blessed to have members both past and present who have constantly strived to want the very best for our profession and those who work in it. Everything that we and they do is for you the membership of ART. This year saw the passing of Mark Zillessen and Ray James. Both were true gentlemen and made significant contributions in their respected fields. They will be long remembered and leave us with many fine memories and along with those who have passed away in previous years will sadly missed. Our thoughts go out to their families, friends and loved ones. There have been changes within the committee this year with the resignation of Lindsay Taylor. Lindsay stepped down from the committee and also his role of vice-chair. From myself and the committee a big thank you is extended to Lindsay most sincerely for his time on the committee and for his contributions, thoughts and opinions on a wide range of issues and work of the committee. We have also been informed that Dr Paul Rylance ART President wishes to stand down when a successor has been found. The search has now begun for the next ART President and we extend our most sincere thanks to Dr Rylance and his input and contributions will be greatly missed. As 2018 draws to a close the NHS has seen another year where it has been under huge pressures. There are as always challenging times ahead but I’m sure that the professionalism and dedication of all those working for the NHS will see us through a tough winter period and take us into 2019 with one thought in mind which is to do the very best that we can for each and every one of our patients. With this in mind let us not lose sight of why we are here, it is for our patients, their families and friends. We truly do make a difference to people’s lives and this is due to your passion and dedication, we may not always realise it or indeed see it but we really do make a difference. Be proud to call yourselves Renal Technologists!! So as my Chatter draws to a close I hope that you can see that once again it has been a very busy year for ART. It only remains for me on behalf of the ART Executive Committee to wish you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
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October 2018
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August 2018
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In memory of Raymond ‘Ray’ Colin James
23rd July 1954 – 23rd July 2018 It is with much sadness that we heard the news that Ray passed away on 23rd July 2018. Whilst it is with heavy heart that I write these words I feel it is important to focus on this as a celebration of a wonderful career and the many contributions made by Ray in the field of renal technology and beyond. I sincerely hope that these words do justice to a wonderful gentleman and acknowledge his many fine achievements. Ray worked for Gambro and it was in the early 1980’s that David Gandy had fond memories of Ray visiting David’s unit to install, service and repair the growing number of AK10 machines. Ray was the technical driving force behind Gambro’s introduction of central water plant into the UK. He was also involved in the design and build of the first central delivery pipework heat disinfection system to be installed in the UK at Ninewells Hospital Dundee and then at St. Luke’s Hospital Bradford. ART have fond memories of Ray and he was a valued and extremely highly respected member of the Association. During Ray’s time as an ART executive committee member, 1998 to 2003, he was actively involved in all aspects of the meetings and was passionate that the Association should drive forward the representation of renal technologists at the highest levels. So much so that he attended a reception to recognise the work and contribution of Healthcare Scientists at 10 Downing Street in 2003. Ray was also instrumental in pushing ART to reinvigorate itself in the early 1990’s. Ray was instrumental in organising a local ART meeting in London in the early 1990’s and the success was clear to see with over 25 technicians attending from numerous London hospitals. He could see that the Department of Health was taking an interest in all aspects of clinical engineering and with how the world was changing pointed out that ART could be actively involved in these changes or take a backseat. ART took Ray’s advice and since then I can say with confidence that as a professional association ART does indeed punch above its weight not only for the good of its membership but also for our renal patients. Ray also represented ART at British Renal Society meetings. In the late 1990’s both David Gandy and Ray began work on developing a syllabus for training renal technicians. Ray forged ahead and within a relatively short time had developed his ‘Core Curriculum for Renal Technologists’ which was subsequently published through the EDTNA/ERCA. Ray also worked with David to put together and develop the ART Education Group. This resulted in the syllabus for the ART Training Scheme and which after discussions with the University of Bradford was incorporated into their Clinical Technology Degree. Ray felt that this would appeal to renal unit technical staff more so than the distance learning format of the course offered by the City University in London. Ray along with Maurice Harrington and Elizabeth Lindley were instrumental in delivering the ART modules at Bradford and Ray lectured on this course until he stepped down in 2014. Over the years many renal technologists have benefited from attending these modules, a fine tribute to Ray. The training manual Renal Replacement Therapy for Renal Technicians was produced by Ray in conjunction with ART in 1999 and was later turned into a handbook which was quite unique at the time. Ray was a very active member of the EDTNA/ERCA Journal Advisory Board, contributing to editing and peer reviewing of papers and would have assisted many authors in translating papers so that they read well and gave clear messages. This give Ray a great insight into the roles of the other members of the renal multidisciplinary team which no doubt he used to develop the original UK Renal Technology course run by the City University in London. André Stragier quoted “Ray was a highly qualified dialysis technologist, well known in Europe, always clear and simple, straight to the point. He was very active in many EDTNA/ERCA Conferences and Journal Clubs. He illustrated his broad knowledge in his book Foundations in Renal Technology”. Ray was a real renal character and was always very keen to share his knowledge, helping to educate and inform others. He was very passionate about the education of renal technologists and his fine and many contributions to education in the renal field are a wonderful legacy for which he will always be remembered. It is no exaggeration to say that Ray was a true gentleman, a thoughtful, reliable and generous colleague and friend. Ray will be much missed and leaves us with many fine memories. The words written here would not have been possible without the wonderful contributions from Ray’s friends and former colleagues. I would therefore like to thank and acknowledge; Gerry Boyle, David Gandy, Maurice Harrington, Elizabeth Lindley and Andy Mosson. Roger Moore – ART Chairman 
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August 2018
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Mark Zillessen - Funeral will be at Scarborough Crematorium this coming Friday at 12.45 |
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July 2018
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Chairman’s Chatter
Hello one and all and welcome once again to another Chairman’s Chatter. My last Chairman’s Chatter was back in December and I must offer my sincerest apologies for not chatting sooner. Time just seems to have evaporated into thin air and in the blink of an eye we seem to have gone from the Beast from the East to a glorious summer heat wave. Talking of summer and I promise this will be my only reference to the World Cup, it’s not coming home is it………………….. Although it has been quiet on the Chairman’s Chatter front behind the scenes the ART committee have as ever been working extremely hard. It never ceases to amaze me as to the dedication and commitment displayed by all committee members and once again I would like to extend a very big thank you to all of my fellow committee members. As ever our ‘day’ jobs are extremely busy, as they are for all members of ART and also for those technologists who are not yet members. In fact I cannot imagine that this could not be said for every NHS employee. Talking of the NHS it has been a very auspicious year for this wonderful service which has recently celebrated its 70th birthday. For me personally 19 years of my working life have been committed to the NHS and I am still proud to work for a wonderful world renowned service. That said life is not easy for the NHS and whilst extra Government funds are being committed to the service, which are very welcome, we will all face continuing challenges in delivering the highest quality of services to our patients whilst working within tight budgetary constraints. Preparing for the National Conference is keeping us all busy with Peter Jones exercising a calm and controlling hand on the tiller of the good ship ART Conference 2018. As ever Peter’s enthusiasm drives us all on to organise what promises to be a fantastic Conference for you the ART members. The Conference will take place on 4th and 5th October and sees us return for a third year to Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham. I’m sure those that attended in 2017 will agree that Belton Woods is an excellent venue. I and the other committee members hope to see you in October at Conference. Work continues on the project to review the ART Training Scheme and revamping of its documentation. Mark Morris continues to take this forward and is due to present progress to the ART Executive Committee in due course. The ART website continues to go from strength to strength and I’m sure as ever Ian Wilde would welcome any suggestions that you may have. It’s your website so let’s keep it evolving. Other work in progress, apologies but I have let this stall somewhat, is the development of ART policies covering subjects such as; Risk Management Policy, Investment Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy and Management of Volunteers Policy. As you can see another very busy period for ART but even so it is as enjoyable as ever and this is thanks to my fellow committee members and the input of you the membership. As my ‘Chatter’ draws to a close and whilst writing the final paragraphs I have just been informed of the sad passing of Mark Zillessen. Mark had been battling with Mesothelioma for some time. Mark was well known and respected within renal circles for over a period in excess of 23 years. I am sure that many of us have some notable and wonderful memories of Mark and he will be a tremendous loss to our renal community. Before I end my ‘Chatter’ and I make no apologies for repeating this message but I would like to ask the following, would you like to become more involved with the work of ART? This does not necessarily mean putting yourself forward as a committee member when a position becomes vacant. I can appreciate that the thought of that may be daunting but I can assure you it really isn’t as all of the committee members help and support each other. There are other ways that you may consider for getting more involved. You could offer to participate in projects that the committee are or will become involved with. Do you have a particular interest in an aspect of ART’s work? If so you could volunteer to assist the committee with that particular aspect. Is there something that you feel ART should be doing or involved in? Again you could volunteer to help or lead on this with the support of a committee member. This is your Association, it needs you and your continuing support to ensure that ART continues to go from strength to strength, for today’s membership and the membership of the future. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
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July 2018
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Zillessen.
Mark had been battling with Mesothelioma for some time. Mark was well known and respected within renal circles over a period of 23+ years, initially working for Paddy Hartley and then Hospal, Gambro, Baxter and more recently Physidia. Mark was key to the implementation of CRRT by Hospal in the UK and many people unbeknownst to them owe him their lives. He moved on to manage the Chronic Dialysis business in Gambro where again he excelled with his knowledge and personality. I am sure that many of us have some notable and hilarious memories of this amazing man and he will be a tremendous loss to our renal community. I will inform you about funeral arrangements as they become available. I am sure all of us would like to convey our thoughts to his wife and children, Claire, Martin and Phoebe. |
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July 2018
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Course dates: 8-10 October 2018 / 11-13 February 2019
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May 2018
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December 2017
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Chairman’s Christmas Chatter
Hello one and all and welcome to my Chairman’s Christmas Chatter. Another year has passed and once again I find myself thinking how time has flown by. As they say time flies when you are having fun, so I must be having fun. 2017 has seen ART and the committee have another very busy year. My last Chatter was in August so what has happened since.................. Final preparations for the National Conference were completed resulting in what I personally believe was an excellent conference and this was backed up by the feedback received in the conference satisfaction questionnaire. The Conference was very well attended and the presentations were excellent and generated a great deal of healthy debate. Peter Jones as ever did an excellent job as Conference Organiser, thank you Peter. If you attended I hope that the Conference met your expectations and if you were unable to attend then I and the other committee members hope to see you at the 2018 National Conference. Plans are already underway and 2018 will see us return to Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham. The ART website continues to be a huge success, indicated by the number of visits and uptake and use of the Forum. Thanks go to Ian Wilde for his work as Website Administrator and I’m sure Ian would welcome any suggestions that you may have, it’s your website so let’s keep it evolving. A new project that has recently got underway is the review of the ART Training Scheme and revamping of the documentation. Mark Morris stepped forward and volunteered to take this on and will head up a sub-group that will report back to the ART Executive Committee. Andy Mosson, Mark and I recently met to discuss the revamp and the way forward, this was a very productive meeting and exciting times lie ahead. ART would not be in such a strong position as we are with the Training Scheme if it wasn’t for the hard work put in by Andy and all others who have been involved over the years. We are truly blessed to have members such as Andy who constantly strive to want the very best for our profession and those who work in it. It has been said before by others and I will once again echo those thoughts, we truly punch above our weight as a professional body As 2017 draws to a close the NHS is once again under huge pressures, there is an ever increasing clinical demand placed on all NHS services, along with the ever constant financial pressures. Let us not lose sight of why we are here, it is for our patients and their families and friends. We truly do make a difference to people’s lives and this is due to your passion and dedication, be proud to call yourselves Renal Technologists!! So as my Chatter draws to a close i hope that you can see that once again it has been a very busy year for ART. It only remains for me on behalf of the ART Executive Committee to wish you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
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October 2017
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August 2017
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Chairman’s Chatter
Hello one and all and welcome once again to another Chairman’s Chatter. My last Chairman’s Chatter was back in May and the last few months have been exceptionally busy both with ART and the ‘day job’. We are now well into the summer and I hope that you and your families have enjoyed your holidays and a well deserved break or are looking forward to getting away before the end of summer arrives. I have said this before in my previous Chatter’s but without my fellow committee members ART would not be here for you. Therefore I would like to extend a big thank you to them, who without exception all do a fantastic job week after week and month after month. As I have said before it really is a team effort and I really believe that as a committee we all gel together, enthusiastically debate, discuss and come to decisions that we all strongly believe and hope are to the benefit of all members and will ensure ART goes from strength to strength. I maybe repeating myself from previous Chatter’s but I think it is worth doing so, ART would not be today what it is without the present and previous committee members. I am sure that we are all once again experiencing another very busy this year and for committee members this includes the work that we do for ART. At New Cross the team of renal technologists have seen one satellite unit close at the end of contract period and another open up in its place operated by a different and for New Cross a new service provider. The team are also presently very busy with the installation of an entirely new fleet of haemodialysis machines across our main unit and our two satellites. I’m sure that your years are just as busy and I for one would like to hear from you, what is new or changing in your units? So what has happened since my last Chatter back in May.................. Preparation for the National Conference is moving along at a rapid pace and we are all very excited about what we are preparing to delivery to those who can join us in October. Peter Jones continues to expertly coordinate everything as Conference Organiser and we all feel that ART will be offering you the membership another fantastic Conference this year. The Conference will take place 5th to 6th October and registration forms are now available on the ART website. The Conference this year has the theme of ‘Education’ and we hope that once again it will be well attended by both delegates and our industry colleagues with a variety of excellent presentation on the theme of ‘Education’. I and the other committee members hope to see you in October at Conference. As I type this Chatter I am also busy preparing the various papers required for the 2017 AGM one of which is the amendment to the Constitution which will be put forward as a proposal to the membership in readiness for the 2017 AGM. The ART website and forum continues to be a great success. Have you contributed yet? I’m sure you have questions to ask or information that you want your fellow renal technologists to be aware of. If so please contact Ian Wilde with any questions that you may have or articles that you want posting. It’s your website, the forum is vibrant and active so let’s keep it evolving. Other work in progress includes the development of ART policies covering subjects such as; Risk Management Policy, Investment Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy and Management of Volunteers Policy. Busy, busy, busy describes the year so far and I am sure it is no different for any of you. Personally speaking I don’t mind how busy it gets so long as at the end of the day what we do results in a positive and safe outcome for all of our patients, their families and loved ones. From an ART perspective and I know that I speak for all of the committee, we will take busy all day long if it means that ART as a professional body continues to go from strength to strength and that we can see that you the membership benefit from our hard work. Before I end my ‘Chatter’ I would once again like to ask the following, would you like to become more involved with the work of ART? This does not necessarily mean putting yourself forward as a committee member when a position becomes vacant, there are other ways that you may consider for getting more involved. Do you have a particular interest in an aspect of ART’s work? If so you could volunteer to assist the committee with that particular aspect. To illustrate this point an ART member has recently contacted the committee as they are very keen to get involved with reviewing how ART delivers education and training. We feel that this is a really positive move, we cannot standstill we need to keep evolving on all fronts. Is there something that you feel ART should be doing or be involved in? Again you could volunteer to help or lead on this with the support of a committee member. This is your Association, it needs you and your continuing support to ensure that ART continues to go from strength to strength, for today’s membership and the membership of the future. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
August 2017
The booking form for the 2017 Annual Conference is now available HERE.
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July 2017
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July 2017
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May 2017
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Chairman’s Chatter
Hello one and all and welcome once again to another Chairman’s Chatter. My last Chairman’s Chatter was back in December and the last few months have been exceptionally busy. Please accept my sincerest apologies for not chatting sooner. As ever the ‘day’ job has to be juggled with ART committee work and this doesn’t just go for me but every single member of the ART Executive Committee. I would therefore like to extend a big thank you to all of my fellow committee members who do a fantastic job week after week and month after month. It really is a team effort and I really couldn’t ask to be working with a better group of people. ART would not be today what it is without the present and previous committee members. As I have mentioned our ‘day’ jobs just as I expect everyone one of yours have been very busy this year. Also it has and continues to be a very busy year for ART and the committee. So what has happened since my last Chatter just before Christmas.................. Preparing for the National Conference is once again a key activity for all. Peter Jones continues doing an excellent job as Conference Organiser and his enthusiasm drives us all on to organise a fantastic Conference for you the ART members. The Conference will take place 5th to 6th October and sees us returning for a second year to Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham. I’m sure those that attended in 2016 will agree that Belton Woods is an excellent venue. The Conference this year has the theme of ‘Education’ and we hope that once again it will be well attended by both delegates and our industry colleagues with a variety of excellent presentation on the theme of ‘Education’. The first draft of the program is complete and it is hoped that the final version will be released to all by the end of the first week in June. I and the other committee members hope to see you in October at Conference. Unfortunately Chris Matthews has stood down from his position as non-ARI Industry Rep and at present this position remains vacant within ART. On a positive note Fraser Gilmour and Kevin Gibbs have joined the committee subject an amendment to the Constitution which will be put forward as a proposal to the membership in readiness for the 2017 AGM. The ART website continues to be a big success and I’m sure Ian Wilde would welcome any suggestions that you may have. It’s your website so let’s keep it evolving. Other work in progress is the development of ART policies covering subjects such as; Risk Management Policy, Investment Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy and Management of Volunteers Policy. As you can see it has been a busy start to the year for ART and although busy an enjoyable one. Before I end my ‘Chatter’ I would like to ask the following , would you like to become more involved with the work of ART? This does not necessarily mean putting yourself forward as a committee member when a position becomes vacant. I can appreciate that the thought of that may be daunting but I can assure you it really isn’t as all of the committee members help and support each other. There are other ways that you may consider for getting more involved. Do you have a particular interest in an aspect of ART’s work? If so you could volunteer to assist the committee with that particular aspect. Is there something that you feel ART should be doing or involved in? Again you could volunteer to help or lead on this with the support of a committee member. This is your Association, it needs you and your continuing support to ensure that ART continues to go from strength to strength, for today’s membership and the membership of the future. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
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February 2017
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December 2016
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Chairman’s Christmas Chatter
Hello one and all and welcome to my Chairman’s Christmas Chatter. Once again I really do not know where the last year has gone, it is said time passes ever quicker as you get older. So that’s it I must be getting older!! Once again it has been a very busy year for ART and the committee. So what has happened since my last Chatter back in May.................. Preparing for the National Conference once again was a key activity for all. Peter Jones as ever did an excellent job as Conference Organiser, thank you Peter. The Conference was well attended by both delegates and our industry colleagues and to mark our 40th Conference the theme was ‘Our Patient’ with a variety of excellent presentations on this theme. If you attended I hope that the Conference met your expectations and if you were unable to attend then I and the other committee members hope to see you at the 2017 National Conference. Plans are already underway and the emphasis and theme will be ‘Education’. 2017 will see us return to Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham. Delegate satisfaction surveys overwhelmingly heaped praise on Belton Woods and the committee were in full agreement to return there for the 2017 National Conference. This year saw the sad passing of our friend and colleague Paul Roome. It is always sad when the renal community loses one of our own and in the passing of Paul we lost a true gentleman and an affable and fun loving character. I am sure that you will join me in thinking of Paul’s family as we approach Christmas, a time to spend time with our families and loved ones and to remember those who are sadly no longer with us. The ART website continues to be a huge success, indicated by the number of visits and uptake and use of the Forum. Thanks go to Ian Wilde for his work as Website Administrator and I’m sure Ian would welcome any suggestions that you may have, it’s your website so let’s keep it evolving. As 2016 draws to a close you may have seen recent news headlines concerning the trial and conviction of an NHS Dialysis Manager and accomplices. I shall say no more at the moment on this other than to draw your attention to the official report from NHS Protect who successfully investigated the fraud and took it to criminal prosecution http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/5923.aspx As you can see it has been a very busy year for ART and it only remains for me on behalf of the ART Executive Committee to wish you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman
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August 2016
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NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2016 DETAILS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF THE BOOKING FORM. For further info see the National Conference page.
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June 2016
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A Sad Loss To The Renal Community
It was with deep sadness that ART heard of the passing of Paul Roome. Paul was a valued and well respected member of ART. It was following the AGM in 2010 that Paul became an ART Executive Committee member and continued until April 2015. During Paul’s time as a committee member he was actively involved in and had a passion for regional meetings. Paul was very proud of the unit he worked in and was more than happy to host visits by his fellow renal technologist colleagues from across the region. Paul also took on the management of the ART museum and those who attended the annual national conference will have seen how proud Paul was of this and his enthusiasm for displaying the museum pieces at conference. After Paul stood down from the committee he continued to manage the museum, an illustration of his commitment and passion for all things ART. The museum will be at conference but I feel will not be quite the same without Paul in attendance. It is no exaggeration to say that the renal community has lost a true gentleman, an affable and fun loving character and someone who was passionate about all things renal. I’m sure that we all have our own particular memories of Paul and many of these will be shared at conference. I for one will be raising a glass in Paul’s memory and thoughts will be with Paul’s surviving wife and two daughters. I would also like to take this opportunity to place before you the following words from Paul’s friends and colleagues at Derby, a very fitting tribute to Paul who will sadly be missed by all. Roger Moore – ART Chairman Paul Roome 1959 - 2016
A eulogy from his friends and colleagues at Derby Hospital...
It is with great sadness that the Department of Renal Medicine announce the death of Paul Roome, Chief Technician, Royal Derby Hospital. It is a measure of the esteem in which he was held that the impact of his premature passing has been felt so keenly by his friends and colleagues in Derby as well as across the renal community in the UK. He joined Derby City Hospital in 1988 becoming Renal Unit Chief Technician in 2000. With that role and as part of that department, he found his calling. The delivery of dialysis requires skilled and dedicated technical support and Paul rapidly acquired the skills and enthusiasm for the role. He was a larger than life character at ease with all, beloved of the staff and patients as every day he set about ensuring the unit ran smoothly, fixing the day to day problems that modern dialysis throws up. He was immensely proud of his small team that he built and mentored and his reputation for being the go to person to solve difficult issues extended to the companies that supplied the equipment. Beyond the day job he always sought to improve and was very much part of a leadership team that from 1996 onwards drove Derby to be one of the most respected services in the UK and across the globe. He was part of the design team in the days of the PFI project to build a new “superhospital” in Derby, delivering a renal unit that is admired by many. He was instrumental in the design and launch of a holiday caravan for haemodialysis patients, proudly delivering it to its site in North Wales. A second in Devon was added to the service and patients make extensive use of it to take a break from home. He supported the case to reinvigorate home haemodialysis, constantly solving the technical challenges so that more people could dialyse at home. Derby now has one of the largest home dialysis programmes in the country. But Paul loved a challenge and if we think research is all about the ‘boffins’ it is worth remembering that without Paul and his team, much of the ground breaking research this department is known for would not have happened. The demonstration that cardiac stunning was such an important cause of harm to patients on dialysis came about because Paul sorted out how to get patients onto dialysis in a PET scanner, in a department that didn’t have a water purification unit and all taking place nearly 200 miles away in West London. Mostly though he will be remembered as a friend, a friend who could be counted upon when things were tricky, who looked after his mates and just enjoyed life. He leaves a massive hole in his workshop, on the dialysis unit, in the hospital and across the wider renal community. He was active in the Association of Renal Technologists and an enthusiastic supporter of the British Renal Society at conference, be it at the meeting or in the bar. He was ‘renal’ to his very core and lived to make things better for people with kidney failure so it is absolutely fitting that after death he donated his kidneys. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Sue and his two daughters, Kim and Beth. He left us far too early but that puts into perspective how large his contribution and legacy are. |
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May 2016
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Hello one and all and welcome to Chairman’s Chatter.
My last Chairman’s Chatter was back in December, apologies for not chatting sooner and I really do not know where the last few months have gone!! So what has happened since my last Chatter......................... Much time has been spent by the committee preparing for the National Conference, this will be the 40th ART Conference and will take place 5th to 7th October. We have a new venue for this year which is the Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham, a fine conference facility with an excellent golf course so I am told, I’m not a golfer and all I can say is the grass looked very green. Once again Peter Jones is doing an excellent job as Conference Organiser, thank you Peter. The Conference this year has the theme of ‘Our Patient’ which the committee saw as fitting given that we are celebrating 40 years. We hope that this will be well attended by both delegates and our industry colleagues with a variety of excellent presentation on the theme of ‘Our Patient’. I and the other committee members hope to see you in October at Conference. The ART website continues to attract visitors with good uptake and use of the Forum. Thanks to Ian Wilde for his continuing work as Website Administrator. I’m sure Ian would welcome any suggestions that you may have. Gerry Boyle has set up the ART Technical Group on Patient Safety Issues. The purpose of this group is to report into the Renal Association Patient Safety Committee on any technical issues relating to patient safety. The group will consider issues as they arise and discuss by email. Currently there are ongoing discussions on the following; electrical safety and maintenance intervals, AC/DC failures and spontaneous resetting of venous pressure upper guards. Thank you Gerry and all others who are involved in taking this forward. ART and IPEM signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the 12th February 2016 acknowledging that we share values and interests which form the basis of our organisational partnership. ART is a valued partner of IPEM's in the management of the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT). The partnership will provide mutual support for aims shared by ART and IPEM with both organisations intending to work together actively to achieve our shared aims by; exchanging news items for publication in electronic, web and hard copy newsletters on an ad hoc basis, supporting each other’s social media presence, offering opportunities to contribute to each other’s annual conferences in order to support mutual aims and offering our own member rates for conference fees to members of IPEM and vice versa. In addition ART will offer free access to ART study days for IPEM members; and IPEM will offer member rates to its one day conferences for ART members. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
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May 2016
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May 2016
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Students taking the course for NHS registration or to obtain credits towards a degree need to complete an assignment and a 2 hour exam for each module. The exam can now be taken off-site provided the student has an invigilator who agrees to the terms and conditions.
NHS technologists who have applied and failed to get local funding may be able to get ART sponsored registration. If you have any questions about this, or the course, please e-mail me at Elizabeth.Lindley@nhs.net .’ | ||
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April 2016
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Full conference information and online registration is also available on the new UKKW website – www.ukkw.org.uk.
We are pleased to advise that the UKKW 2016 organising committee has agreed to extend the early bird registration for a further week.
The new deadline is now Friday 22nd April UK Kidney Week 2016 (Tuesday 7th June – Friday 10th June) is coming up fast and will bring together members of the multi-professional team at the ICC in Birmingham. We hope you will all join us to contribute to the sharing of wisdom and goodwill. The meeting incorporates research, quality improvement, education and much more, in multiple strands that will appeal across clinical and research teams of every description. There is CPD, there are keynote speakers, there are debates …but having read more than 500 of them, we think that the presentations and posters will be highlights. There is so much great work being done and now shared. The sharing of best practice is now being evolved and formalised in the shape of the Kidney Quality Improvement Partnership (K-QUIP) which will debut at UK Kidney Week 2016. There are many other highlights based on the theme "Innovation for better care - improving kidney care through quality research and team working". Here are just a few topics from the programme: · Launch of K-QUIP · UK Renal Research Strategy Implementation · We know there’s variation, what is UKRR doing to reduce it? · Improving care as part of the day job · Regenerating the human kidney based upon an understanding of development · Care for the Young Kidney Patient · Pregnancy and Kidney Disease · Health Literacy: Connecting Policy and Practice · T cell exhaustion and outcome in autoimmune disease · Strategies to improve the provision of haemodialysis access · Prevention of dialysis-related infection: lessons from peritoneal dialysis | ||||||
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April 2016
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Real-life story proforma
Health Careers is looking for inspiring real-life stories to help others to make informed career choices, whether they are a school student taking their first steps or a current professional considering their next career move.
After completing and returning the proforma, we will be in touch about how we would like to use your story e.g. as a case study on our website or literature. We may also ask if you would be interested in appearing in a careers film for our website. If you have a suitable high-resolution photo (ideally a head and shoulders shot), please send it back with the proforma to hee.healthcareers@nhs.net.
Your details will only be used by Health Education England (who manage the Health Careers service). No details will be released to anyone without your express permission.
If you have any questions, please email us on hee.healthcareers@nhs.net.
Health Careers is looking for inspiring real-life stories to help others to make informed career choices, whether they are a school student taking their first steps or a current professional considering their next career move.
After completing and returning the proforma, we will be in touch about how we would like to use your story e.g. as a case study on our website or literature. We may also ask if you would be interested in appearing in a careers film for our website. If you have a suitable high-resolution photo (ideally a head and shoulders shot), please send it back with the proforma to hee.healthcareers@nhs.net.
Your details will only be used by Health Education England (who manage the Health Careers service). No details will be released to anyone without your express permission.
If you have any questions, please email us on hee.healthcareers@nhs.net.
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To view/complete the proforma then please click the icon.
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April 2016
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IPEM and ART sign Memorandum of Understanding The Association of Renal Technology and IPEM have signed an MOU on the 12 February 2016 acknowledging that they share values and interests which form the basis for their organisational partnership. ART is also a valued partner of IPEM's in the management of the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) which recently received Accredited Register Recognition from the Professional Standards Authority. The partnership will provide mutual support for aims shared by IPEM and ART and both organisations intend to work together actively to achieve these shared aims by: Exchanging news items for publication in electronic, web and hard copy newsletters on an ad hoc basis. Supporting each other’s social media presence Offering opportunities to contribute to each other’s annual conferences in order to support mutual aims and offering their own member rates for conference fees to members of the partner organisation. In addition, ART will offer free access to ART study days for IPEM members; and IPEM will offer member rates to its one day conferences for ART members. Official link to IPEM website here. |
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March 2016
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December 2015
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ART Chairman's Christmas Chatter!
Chairman’s Christmas Chatter
Hello one and all and welcome to my Chairman’s Christmas Chatter. This is my fourth Chairman’s Chatter and I really do not know where the last year has gone but two words would sum it up, busy and exciting!! So what has happened since my last Chatter back in May.................. Well, much time was spent by the committee preparing for the National Conference, with Peter Jones once again doing an excellent job as Conference Organiser, thank you Peter. The Conference was well attended by both delegates and our industry colleagues with a variety of excellent presentation on the theme of ‘Managing a Renal Technical Service’. If you attended I hope that the Conference met your expectations and if you were unable to attend then I and the other committee members hope to see you at the 2016 National Conference. The 2016 will see the 40th ART National Conference and work started immediately after the 2015 Conference closed. In fact before the committee left the Nottingham Belfry we had decided on the title and theme, which to mark our 40th Conference is ‘Our Patient’. The focus is to have talks and presentations looking at the renal technologists involvement with patients and the impact our activities have on patients. If you have any suggestions for topics or presenters on this theme then please forward to ART using the ART website, Facebook page, Twitter or email. We are also evaluating venues for the 2016 Conference and hope to have a venue confirmed early in the New Year. The 2015 AGM saw the ART Committee table three proposals which were: ART Constitution – An amendment to ART constitution was outlined and concerned the Technical Membership of ART. Constitution states that only those actively involved in the maintenance of dialysis equipment were eligible and excluded those who had previously been actively employed in the maintenance of dialysis equipment. The amendment to rectify this thus allowing those previously employed to be Technical Members was voted on and carried unanimously. Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) One Voice funding – The proposal was outlined and was that ART pay £1.50 per member per annum to AHCS to fund the One Voice project. It was proposed that ART would fund the £1.50 per member from current funds, this was voted on and carried by a majority. ART Industry Reps – Consensus was that ARI and non-ARI reps were good links into the Renal Industry, the membership present voted unanimously to retain both reps, based on the job descriptions that were presented to the AGM. So as you can see a very busy National Conference. As we approach the end of 2015 we also approach the first anniversary of the new ART website. I hope you agree that with its new vibrant look that it has been a success, certainly the number of visits indicate that it has been a success as indeed does uptake and use of the Forum. Thanks go to Ian Wilde for setting up the new site and for his continuing work as Website Administrator and I’m sure Ian would welcome any suggestions that you may have, it’s your website so let’s keep it evolving. 2015 has seen the Professional Standards Authority has given accreditation to the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT). The year also saw revision of the Renal Association’s Water and Dialysis Fluid Guidelines, guidelines which had input from ART. October saw me meet with the new IPEM President David Brettle, the purpose of the meeting to discuss the affiliation agreement between ART and IPEM. A new Memorandum of Understanding has now been drafted and will be signed by both ART and IPEM at some time in the New Year. ART and IPEM are keen to continue the excellent working relationship and work to ensure that the voice of our respective members is heard. Where we have a common aim it is envisaged that more joint statements and messages will be issued. As you can see it has been a very busy year for ART and it only remains for me on behalf of the ART Executive Committee to wish you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
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November 2015
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Veolia’s RecoBLUE Water Recovery Shortlisted for Award
Wednesday 4th November, London
Veolia Water Technologies has been shortlisted for a prestigious Building Better Healthcare Award. Our award in the Utilities and Services category recognises a project that has reduced water consumption at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital Renal Unit using a RecoBLUE Recovery RO. The plant, which will give annual predicted savings of mains water of more than 3,200m3, equivalent to 1.5 tonnes CO2 per year, was commissioned in April 2014. The winner will be announced on Wednesday 4th November, at the 17th annual BBH awards ceremony held at the Brewery, Moorgate, London. For further information about Kent & Canterbury visit www.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk/processwater/medias/cases/39241.htm Veolia Water Technologies is a specialist in pure water systems and process water solutions in the UK, with over 75 years of experience in helping businesses of all sizes. Veolia offers a full range of solutions for water purification and sustainable water recovery for industry, science and research. With a wide range of process water treatment systems that range from bench-top water purifiers to centralised pure water delivery systems. The full range of services also includes; mobile water treatment, water treatment chemicals, and water recovery systems serving markets such as; Scientific, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Power, Automotive and other General Industries, as well as municipal clients. Veolia group is the global leader in optimized resource management. With over 179,000 employees* worldwide, the Group designs and provides water, waste and energy management solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of communities and industries. Through its three complementary business activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, preserve available resources, and to replenish them. In 2014, the Veolia group supplied 96 million people with drinking water and 60 million people with wastewater service, produced 52 million megawatt hours of energy and converted 31 million metric tons of waste into new materials and energy. Veolia Environnement (listed on Paris Euronext: VIE) recorded consolidated revenue of €24.4 billion* in 2014. www.veolia.com (*) 2014 pro-forma figures, including Dalkia International (100%) and excluding Dalkia France. Contacts: Veolia Water Technologies Windsor Court, Kingsmead Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 1JU Tel: + 44 (0) 1628 897000 www.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk Jane Wardrop RedLine Public Relations Tel: +44 (0) 1844 273407 Mobile: +44 (0) 7850 568759 info@redline-pr.co.uk |
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July 2015
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme
The documents for the CPD Scheme are now available to download on the Education Page.
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May 2015
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The "Chairman's Chatter"
Hello one and all and welcome to a very brief Chairman’s Chatter.
For those who attended the 2014 ART AGM you will recall that it was reported that the position of ART President had been vacated by Dr Chris McIntyre. Several names were suggested and these were discussed further over the course of several committee meetings. In was decided at the committee meeting of 21 January that Dr Paul Rylance, Consultant in General and Renal Medicine at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, be invited to fill the position of ART President. I’m pleased to say that Dr Rylance was more than happy to accept and is looking forward to working with the committee and wider membership with a particular focus on patient safety. Dr Rylance is a Consultant Nephrologist at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, having had undergraduate, postgraduate and research training in London at St. George’s, King’s College and University College Hospitals. Since 2007 he has led patient safety on behalf of the Renal Association. He has worked with renal units, the National Patient Safety Agency, NHS England and the MHRA, to identify incidents and risks to renal patients and to formulate solutions. This has developed into a multi-professional process, through recent collaborative working with the British Renal Society, as RA/BRS Patient Safety. Dr Rylance is also Director, NHS Teaching Academy for medical student education and his current research interests include viral triggers of autoimmunity. Dr Rylance has kindly agreed to be after dinner speaker at our 2015 National Conference. This is therefore a timely point to remind all to put the 15 and 16 October in your diaries as the ART committee and new President look forward to seeing you at the 2015 National Conference. I promised a brief Chairman’s Chatter and hope I have not disappointed. Kindest regards Roger Moore – ART Chairman |
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April 2015
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ARTERY Magazine available to download now!
Click the image below to view the first ever digital edition!
British Renal Society Annual Conference - 2015 - University of Leeds
Tuesday 30th June – Thursday 2nd July 2015 Second Announcement & Scientific Programme Click the image below to view the digital brochure
NIKKISO Haemodialysis Machines and Consumables.
LINC Medical is proud to announce that they have been appointed the distributor for the UK and Ireland for NIKKISO haemodialysis machines and associated consumables. Technical service will continue to be provided by NIKKISO staff and the NIKKISO application specialist – Mr Frank-Peter Heinrich – will continue to provide nurse training and support. It is anticipated that LINC Medical will very quickly appoint an application specialist to assist Frank-Peter. Please contact LINC Medical for any supplies of machines or consumables – contact details are: Telephone: 01572 717515 Fax: 01572 717516 E: sales@linc-medical.co.uk Website: www.linc-medical.co.uk For technical support: Nikkiso Hotline: 07557 581064 | ||||||||||
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March 2015
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Chlorine and water filter con as featured on Rogue Traders
Minutes of interest: 14:24 - 22:12 32-40 - 39-40 50:00 - 56:00 The company telling lies about tap water in order to sell filters. #Chlorine #Cancer #Diseases #wouldntletmycatdrinkit |
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March 2015
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Purite name change
Purite Ltd and all subsidiaries of the Group become SUEZ environnement SUEZ environnement Unit C, Bandet Way, Thame Oxfordshire, OX9 3SJ, United Kingdom Tel : +44 (0)1297 444253 |
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January 2015
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Quanta SC+ receives CE mark.
QuantaFluid Solutions Ltd announces it has received CE mark for SC+, its portable,cartridge-based haemodialysis system. Read the full press release here: http://www.quantafs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Quanta-CE-Mark.pdf 
Submit an abstract for the BRS 2015
There are only 11 days left to submit an abstract for the BRS 2015 Conference! Please encourage your colleagues at work and in your associations to submit. You may use this link: http://www.britishrenal.org/SpecialPages/logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fAbstracts%2fSubmission-of-Abstracts.aspx 
New software available for the Palintest Sensor platform products.
Upgrade your instrument to the latest software. The new software is available on request and features some important updates to the calibration process and the error message system that will make the product even easier to use. Upgrading to the latest software is easy, just ‘drag and drop’ the new software into your instrument through the USB port and continue testing! To ensure you have the latest software available, simply e-mail us at chlorosense@palintest.com with your instrument type and serial number. You’ll receive an e-mail with the new software and some simple instructions on how to carry out the upgrade process. - See more at: http://www.palintest.com/2013/10/new-software-available-for-the-palintest-sensor-platform-products/#sthash.zBeECnKI.dpuf |
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November 2014
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Hello from the new ART Chairman - Roger Moore!
Read it HERE |
