“The Catch Up Group”- regional transplant recipients receiving targeted education in their local community.

Abstract

The Ballarat Transplant Recipient Catch-Up Group was formed in 2017. The group provides recipients and their carers the opportunity to obtain information and education from health professionals in a relaxed and informal group environment. Equally important is the vital network and social support it allows the recipients and their carers to establish in their local area. This is the only group of its type within Victoria, and is endorsed by the Heart Lung Transplant Trust of Victoria, affiliated with the Alfred Hospital.

Ballarat is a regional town in Western Victoria, around 120kms from Melbourne's CBD. Members of the group come from all around Ballarat and surrounding areas, as well as from other outer metropolitan centres such as Geelong and Melton.

The idea for the group was driven by recipients themselves, expressing the need for education and support closer to home. The ideas and themes for each catch-up is driven by the recipients and is organised and coordinated by a local nurse specialist. Topics already covered included skin care, medication guidance and nutrition. Local experts volunteer their time to provide the education and advice is always sought from metropolitan transplant services when required.

Education and information is delivered in an informal local setting, easing the travel burden to recipients and their carers. The impact of widened support and networking opportunities is extremely valuable. The group continues to expand its membership base providing quality education, support and socialisation for transplant recipients within the local community.