Wellington Regional Hospital has successfully completed its 500th kidney transplant, signalling an end to recipient Jazmin Torrance’s eight-year struggle with kidney disease and five years of dialysis.

Kidney failure is a significant health problem in New Zealand and, while dialysis is one available treatment option, a transplant provides a better lifestyle and longevity for patients who are well enough.

That was the case for Jazmin who, within only three days of her mid-2024 procedure, began to experience significant improvements to her health.

“Once the pain had eased, I started feeling better on many levels. I feel massively different – I’m eating well again, I sleep better, think more clearly, and my energy levels have really improved – it’s been life-changing,” she said.

“The renal staff have been amazing. They’ve been with me every step of the way throughout my journey, and they treat you like a real person. I’m so appreciative of all the support, care, and encouragement they gave me.”

Wellington Renal Service Clinical Nurse Specialist Claire Beckett described how rewarding it is to see the difference a kidney transplant makes for someone with serious renal disease.

“The best part of my role is talking to patients about what they’ve been able to achieve with a kidney transplant, which may have been more difficult – or even impossible – while on dialysis.

“To see people follow their dreams of having a family, travelling the world, completing a degree, or taking their band on tour overseas is inspiring. The hope that a transplant gives people is what keeps me coming to work every day.” 

Jazmin’s transplant coincided with Renal Focus Month, held annually to enhance nurses’ education about patients with renal disease. This year’s focus was on improving nurses’ ability to help patients understand their treatment plans.

“It’s important that patients have a good grasp of what’s involved in their treatment and how it will help their disease. This can get quite clinical, so we need to make sure we’re communicating in a way that’s really clear and straightforward to avoid any confusion,” Claire said. 

“Our nurses are always keen to continue learning and upskilling because the treatment, support, and wellbeing of our patients is at the centre of everything we do every day.”