The Norm Bourke Bag
The Norm Bourke Bag began organically in Armidale NSW in 2018, and has grown to include all the hospitals in NSW. Our goal is to give patients the supplies they need to start home peritoneal dialysis safely.
The bag is named after our friend Norm Bourke, who was a long-time member and supporter of the Armidale (rural NSW) Kidney community. Norm was on Peritoneal Dialysis when he was first diagnosed with kidney failure.
What’s in the Bag?
- Blood Pressure Machine (Value $140)
- Set of Scales for weighing (Value $40)
- QV Gentle Wash 1lt (body wash for dry sensitive skin) (Qty 2) (Value $60)
Why is the Norm Bourke Bag Needed?
To reduce the initial cost burden for patients and their families when commencing home peritoneal dialysis as these supplies are not currently provided by NSW Health. The bags have been co designed with patients and nursing staff to make sure they meet patient needs. Currently, we supply bags to all NSW hospitals, who distribute them to patients when they are doing training for peritoneal dialysis at home.
Allawah House, Tamworth base hospital
With the staff at Tamworth Renal services, we opened a self-contained 1 Bedroom onsite accommodation for patients and their families who need to be in Tamworth to stay for surgeries or home dialysis training. All patients that stay here are bulk billed through IPT AAS and have no out-of-pocket charges.