Greenock kidney transplant patient hails IRH renal unit

Agnes McLellan, now 74, who has hereditary polycystic kidneys, was one of the first people to benefit from dialysis treatment at the unit when it opened 25 years ago.

She says it was a life-changing moment when the unit opened and for the first time she only had to go minutes from her door to get hooked up to the machines.

Before then, the mum-of-two, who underwent a kidney transplant 20 years ago, had to endure gruelling journeys to and from Glasgow three times a week for dialysis.

IRH renal unit celebrates 25 years (Image: George Munro)

Agnes was among the many guests who joined leading consultant Colin Geddes at a special celebration to mark the incredible achievements of a unit that is one of the best in the country.

Speaking to the Tele, brave Agnes said: "They are like family. In some ways I missed them all when I didn't come up here every other day. The team were such a big part of our lives.

"I live in Larkfield, right beside the hospital. When the renal unit at the IRH opened, I used to go up in my pyjamas for my dialysis during the night, and go home in a taxi first thing in the morning and started my day.

"I came here three times a week for six years until I got my transplant."

The renal unit has continued to help with much of Agnes's care since then.

Agnes, who has raised money over the years to raise money to support the fight against kidney disease, and her sister Jean both suffered from polycystic kidney disease.

Her own mum died from the condition at the age of 47.

Speaking to the Tele at the anniversary celebration, Agnes told how she spent seven years on dialysis after trying to manage the condition along with other treatments.

But her life changed when a donor was found, and 20 years later she has never been healthier.

Agnes McLellan with consultant Dr Colin Geddes (Image: George Munro)

Agnes who along with her late husband Malcolm brought up her two sons Graham, 42, and Calum, 40, told the Tele that she now lives life to the full, enjoying her six grandchildren.

Agnes, who lives in Devon Road, said: "I know I am so, so lucky, because not everyone has had that experience. My transplant has worked for the last 20 years.

"I am one of the lucky ones to get a transplant and a second chance in life. I am busy running after my grandchildren, playing with them. I never thought that would happen."

Proud gran Agnes was presented flowers by Dr Colin Geddes, the lead consultant who has been involved in the unit from the very beginning along with the recently retired Stuart Rodger.

Colin said: "Agnes was among the first patients in the unit. She is incredible. She has done so well.

"The renal unit was set up at the IRH to help patients like her. Before that she had to travel all the way to Glasgow."

In a speech on the day, the consultant spoke of the pioneering satellite unit, among the first of its kind, which has continued to be at the cutting edge of treatment and nursing for kidney dialysis patients.

Since opening in 1999 it has doubled in size, and its location right at the top of the building makes it a true jewel in the IRH's crown.

Mr Geddes added: "It is definitely the renal unit with the best view in the country!

He paid tribute to many of the staff, including Dr Mun Woo, a kidney specialist at Inverclyde Royal, who won a national award for steering the unit through the pandemic.

Ending the speech he said: "I want to say how proud we all are of the unit.

"The amazing thing is that through all the trials and tribulations of the last 25 years, we have gone from strength to strength, expanding to care for more than 60 patients.

"But the renal unit remains about our patients, and whatever comes our way we continue to solve our own problems, it is our unit and it really is something to celebrate."

Over the years many members of the unit's staff have stood alongside their patients in raising funds for the service and enjoying days out.