<p>When someone goes into kidney failure, they need to start treatment called dialysis. For many people this means being connected to a machine that does the job of the kidneys three times a week, for four hours each time. Usually this treatment has to take place in hospital, and a particular type of dialysis involves having needles put into the patient&rsquo;s arm. This can often be uncomfortable, painful and stressful, and needs well-trained nurses to carry out this delicate operation successfully.<br> <br> However, there is now a piece of equipment which can scan and detect where blood vessels are in the patient&rsquo;s arm, and make this whole process safer, easier and more comfortable. Not only will it help nurses on the units, but it will also help patients and carers to use the needles more accurately, and this means that it would be easier for patients to learn to dialyse from home.<br> <br> My Dad was a home dialysis patient for 21 years, and this sort of scanner would have been invaluable in making the process less distressing, as the use of needles could have been more precise. There is still a drive to get patients carrying out their treatment at home, to lessen the impact on their quality of life. The scanner can help make this training process far quicker and simpler.<br> <br>It costs just over &pound;13,000 to buy and the charity SEKPA (South Eastern Kidney Patients Association - <a href="http://www.sekpa.org">www.sekpa.org</a>) is currently working towards purchasing this scanner for Royal Sussex County Hospital where many patients dialyse or train to dialyse at home.</p> <p>I belong to Stonewater Arts Community Choir in Worthing who have recognised the great value of supporting this cause. We are holding a concert on 6th May 2012 at the River of Life Church in Broadwater to raise money to go towards making kidney patients&rsquo; lives easier.<br> <br> You can either come and show your support whilst being entertained with fabulous music and a slice of cake or donate to this incredibly worthy cause online right now!! Please give what you can...</p>