"Altruistic Kidney Donation"

I donated a kidney last month under the living donor programme. This was a fairly long process, involving a number of staff, over a period of months. From the start of the process, I was treated like a VIP, the whole team provide a seamless service that is second to none. I have now had my 6 week review and am recuperating before going back to work. I was involved and informed at every step and always had a contact available to me if I had any issues or questions.

During the preassessment process I met a number of individuals who were all friendly, approachable and informative, providing health assessment, ethical information and guidance for my longterm health management. Aidene and Nicola the Living Donor Coordinators look after you every step of the way and could not be more amazing - their knowledge and care was exemplary. Dr Courtney [Consultant Transplant Nephrologist] explained my health screening results, discussed the process and ensured I was fully aware of everything I needed to know. She has a very genuine, caring approach and makes you feel both valued and supported. Mr McGrogan was my surgeon and is an absolute credit to his profession, I felt he gave me time to absorb all the information [of which there is a lot] and an opportunity to ask questions, again I felt valued, important and supported.

At all stages I felt I was the centre of the process and unless I was happy, it didn't progress to the next stage. The entire team in theatre were also fabulous and made me feel as relaxed as it was possible to feel. While in 11 South I was looked after very well by all the staff, I particularly appreciated the peppermint tea and toast which was all I could face for a few days. This is an amazing programme, which more people need to know about, they change peoples lives on a daily basis and I am immensely grateful to them all.