Therese has a quiet and unassuming presence. Her journey with the Wagga Base Hospital Renal team began 21 years ago when she was diagnosed with kidney disease.
Therese Bartley
“To be honest I would rather not have this condition, but now that I do, I cannot imagine having a better team of people to help guide me and offer the care that I need each week,” Therese quietly tells me as she sits in her dialysis chair.
Therese’s diagnosis came as a shock and she found it confronting to understand that her health would gradually decline each year, but the support of the renal team has been instrumental in her managing her illness and taking care of her mental health and wellbeing effectively.
With access to a specialist multidisciplinary team, including a specialist doctor, nurse practitioner, nurses, dietitian, pharmacist, social worker and admin staff, Therese feels like the team is ‘in a league of their own.’
“I only had to start dialysis two years ago, so I feel fortunate to have been able to access the education, interventions and care that delayed dialysis for so many years,” Therese said.
Now requiring dialysis three days a week for 5 hours a day, Therese still finds the silver lining when considering her prognosis and her treatment.
“I suppose I feel lucky in a way, you do what you can on the days that you do not require dialysis, and I have great support from my family, friends and the renal team.
“I get four good days each week where my health is not too bad, whilst other people managing serious illnesses may not get that luxury, they may feel unwell every day.
“I have been blessed with beautiful children who give me continuing support and I am well enough to still enjoy outings."
Passionate about helping others, Therese is mindful to contribute to causes that are focused on helping others.
As a member of the South Wagga Wagga Lions Club the past 15 years, she is grateful for the opportunity to help raise awareness and funds for the people in the community who are living with kidney disease.
“The generosity and kindness that the people of Wagga have for each other is lovely to see, and I feel fortunate to be a part of the Lions Club, who work tirelessly to help raise money for the community of Wagga as well as the Renal Service,” Therese said.
Therese Bartley with Wagga Base Hospital Renal Team
"Some days are than others, but you have to just keep going, and try to look forward to the quality time you are getting with your family and friends, and there is always somebody worse off than you.
“I would tell others who are newly diagnosed with kidney failure to stay strong within themselves and to have faith in the incredible staff and to trust in their knowledge and care."
Medical Referral to MLHD Renal Services can be made through your General Practitioner.
Consumer and carer feedback is an important way for the health service to improve services.
MLHD welcomes feedback and we actively encourage patients, families and/or carers to email us to share their experience.
The Leeton Midwifery Group Practice (LMGP) is celebrating seven years of providing support to women throughout their pregnancy, birth and post-natal period.
Emergency department opening hours in five health services in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District will be reduced from 16 December and remain in place until 31 January 2025.
