1/9/06
A Western Australian housing project for kidney transplant donors was hailed today as a world-first initiative by Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts.
Opening two new homes in Thorpe Street, Morley, Mrs Roberts said the Family Accommodation Initiative Transplant Housing project (FAITH) had broken new ground.
"Never before has accommodation been provided for donors and their families," the Minister said.
"The State Government is proud to be part of this important initiative, along with Kidney Health Australia and Foundation Housing.
"We have invested $787,000 through the Department of Housing and Works (DHW) in a facility that will help donors and their families for many years.
"By supporting these families, we are reducing the number of people on transplant waiting lists and dialysis treatment, which will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run."
Mrs Roberts said transplant donors were critical to the survival of countless kidney disease sufferers.
"This project is an outstanding example of how we can support a generous group of Western Australians and at the same time achieve better community health outcomes," she said.
"From the outset, Kidney Health Australia has worked closely with DHW and the Department of Health - through its staff at various hospitals - to develop a framework for the project."
The Minister said FAITH was a tremendously innovative project that set new standards for the support of voluntary transplant donors and their families.
"It helps to alleviate some of the financial and emotional stress incurred by the donor, transplant recipient and their families alike," she said.
"The homes have been set up to allow regional and rural families to arrive in Perth with nothing more than a suitcase.
"They are provided with a large, quality home for however long they require it, while the management, finances and maintenance are handled by others - namely Kidney Health Australia and Foundation Housing.
"The families are also provided with on-site support.
"Though still only in its first few months of operation, FAITH has already commanded the attention of other State agencies and not-for-profit organisations."
Mrs Roberts named the FAITH houses Hutchison and Haywood after two Perth nephrologists, Dr Brian Hutchinson and Dr Ted Hayward (now retired) - both associated with organ donation in WA for 26 years.
The Minister also presented Kidney Health Australia's WA area manager Julie Edmonds with a Lotterywest cheque for $33,750 to pay for all the whitegoods, household furniture and equipment, airconditioning and gas heating in both homes.
Minister's Office - 9213 6600
