Our Angels in Western Australia

Paul Andrews MLA  Australian Labor Party Member for Southern River and supporter of Kidney Health Australia. His advice and lobbying for Kidney Health Australia in parliament is invaluable to lift organ donation rates and community awareness of kidney disease.

Laurie Birchall  Primary carer for his wife on peritoneal dialysis at home, he supported her later on haemodialysis at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Laurie visited renal unit pateints helping renal staff and patients. After his wife’s death Laurie approached Kidney Health Australia to become a volunteer and became involved in our Kidney Care program.

Sue Bird  Volunteer and long time supporter of Kidney Health Australia – Sue developed our original Kidney Care Program which provides support to kidney patients. Sue’s work was acknowledged by National Health and Medical Research Council for WA Gold Award for Direct Service Provision 2001, Member of WA Dialysis and Renal Transplant Association, WA State Committee from 1997 and WA Consumer Participation Committee since inception.  

Margaret Cassell  Kidney Care volunteer  for the Armadale Satellite Dialysis Unit, Margaret visits patients twice a week at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children - Childrens Ward at the Armadale Health Centre and Armadale Police Station.

Professor Paolo Ferrari  Director, Department of Nephrology, Fremantle Hospital - contributes to Kidney Health Australia’s activities through our GP education program KCAT. Paulo serves on our  Medical and Scientific Advisory Sub-Committee, is lead on WA Health Department Renal Network and pioneered Paired Exchange in Australia.

Graham Herbert  Volunteer for 10 years with Kidney Health Australia. Graham initiated our very useful and much referred to Australian Dialysis Unit Guide (the DUG). He was Chair of WA Consumer Council from 2005 to 2008.

Paul Kitson  Volunteer for more than a decade, for 3 to 4 days a week! Member of WA Consumer Council and through his dialysis and renal transplant involvement, supports patients in WA renal units.

Doctor Mark Thomas  Renal physician, Royal Perth Hospital and long-term supporter of Kidney Health Australia, committee member, GP education nights and consumer forums - a significant contributor to our renal community.