There are still kidney dialysis patients in the area without a buddy that will have to continue to travel to Canberra three times a week for their treatment unless more volunteers step forward.

Robin Mould completed a 12-week training course with patient Greg Luton, who is now receiving treatment in Cooma.

Mr Luton lives on a property out of town and is unable to have a machine in his home. By using the machines at the hospital Mr Luton is able to filter the toxins from his blood, a function his kidneys are supposed to do but can’t because of disease.

Mrs Mould said more community awareness about the unit, what it does and who uses it was needed to draw more buddies out of the woodwork.

“I did the training so that Greg doesn’t have to travel to Canberra,” Mrs Mould said.

“If we could get some very good people to do the same thing then there would be no need for anyone to have to travel.”

Mrs Mould said a younger brain would have picked up the training schedule in half the time.

“The girls at the home care unit in Canberra, who trained us, are just wonderful,” Mrs Mould said.

“I’ve never seen anyone with so much passion and patience.”

If you have some spare time and would like more information about becoming a dialysis buddy please contact the Cooma-Monaro Renal Dialysis Group chairman Dugald Mitchell on 6452 3424.