Intensive Care Calls on NZ'ers for Vital Support

Intensive Care Calls on New Zealanders for Vital Support

AUCKLAND, April 3/MediaNet International-AsiaNet/ --

Annual Intensive Care Appeal 2nd- 16th April 2006: The Intensive Care Foundation is urging the New Zealand public to "band together" during its annual Appeal to raise funds for critical research.

Approximately 170,000 people, including 8,500 children are treated in New Zealand and Australian intensive care units each year with life threatening conditions resulting from accidents, surgery and disease. Of these, sadly, 22,000 adults and 300 children still lose their lives.

According to Alistair Somerville, a West Auckland GP, who was admitted to Intensive Care with severe pneumonia and shock requiring life support, the complexity of treatments and level of high care was never really appreciated until he required their care.

"It was during my time in intensive care, when my family where able to see the critical role intensive care specialists and nurses play in saving lives, that we understood and appreciated their work so much more." "On the first day and night, a team of specialist doctors and nurses literally worked around the clock, doing many different things to keep me alive. Ultimately I needed several days on a highly specialised bypass machine, staffed 24 hours by specially trained staff."

"My wife, family and friends, throughout the whole time, deeply appreciated the extreme technical knowledge and skills of the staff, and also the honest but gentle communication, and the thousands of important "little" kindnesses and considerations.

We still think about my illness most days, and always remember with gratitude and warmth the care we received."

"I would not have survived my illness without the "boundary pushing" care provided by the intensive care units." said Dr. Somerville.

Dr. Nigel Rankin, New Zealand Chairman, Intensive Care Foundation, says with further research into the best medical treatments and practices we can improve the number and quality of lives saved each year.

The Somerville's are just one example of families we have helped however there are thousands of people in New Zealand who have benefited from the advanced medical services intensive care provides. Its only with further research can we save more lives. Most people would never expect to end up in an intensive care unit, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone at any time. We really encourage the public to get behind this Appeal," said Dr. Rankin.

During the Intensive Care Appeal silicone wristbands, in four fluorescent colours, with unique holes that symbolise hospital identification bands will be sold for $2 at hospital Intensive Care Units across New Zealand.

About the Intensive Care Appeal The Intensive Care Appeal is a major fund-raising event held annually in New Zealand and Australia to raise much-needed funds for intensive care research.

Every dollar donated will go directly towards intensive care research. Your support could save a life.

To make a donation call: 0900 707 707* for an automatic $20 donation or visit www.intensivecareappeal.com

* $20 call cost. Ask the phone account holder's permission. Service provided by Interactionz 09 303 9200.

Interviews with New Zealand Intensive Care Foundation Chairman, Dr. Nigel Rankin are available.

ENDS

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