Nearly 20 years ago, Rodney Smith began dialysis at Redland Hospital’s new Kidney Dialysis Service.
Nurse Unit Manager Sharon Cottingham helped establish the service that would go on to care for Rodney and many other Redland patients.
Today Rodney is still a dialysis patient, and Sharon is preparing to take extended leave after two decades helping shape local kidney care.
“It’s been a long time,” Rodney said. "Treatment can be hard, and Sharon always worked to make it fun.
"She encouraged dress up days, she had me dressed up as the Grinch one Christmas, and as a hippie another time. It will be tough when she leaves, she's very lovely and kind."
For Sharon, long-term relationships with patients like Rodney are part of what makes dialysis care special.
“To build trust with people, you need time,” Sharon said. “Our patients become part of the family because dialysis is such a significant part of their lives.”
When the Redland service opened in 2007, it began with six temporary chairs and portable equipment.
Sharon went on to help establish the permanent Redland Hospital Kidney Dialysis Service and 17 years later, the dialysis service at Redlands Satellite Health Centre.
“Most nurses don’t get the opportunity to open one new service in their career, so to have been part of two has been an honour and a privilege,” Sharon said.
The expanded local service has given more Redlands patients access to dialysis closer to home, while advances in technology have also made treatment gentler and more comfortable for patients.
Director of Kidney Dialysis Service Dr David Mudge said Sharon led by example.
“She has inspired a whole new generation of dialysis nurses at Redlands with a sense of enthusiasm and a 'can-do' attitude,” he said. “She always puts patients first regardless of their individual circumstances and size of the challenges they face.”
Sharon said the greatest achievement was the culture created by the people delivering that care.
“You can still manage and be kind,” she said. “What I’ll miss most is the people. When the chips are down, everyone pulls together, no matter their role.
“I’m so proud of the team and that kindness and sense of community that is part of the culture at the service.”