RVH Liver Support Group

The recent 2010 AGM held in the Madrona Suite was well attended and the evening was a fitting tribute to Dr Michael Callender who was our special guest of honour and the only speaker.

The business of the evening was dealt with first and then Dr Callender reminisced about his career, his work at the Royal Victoria Hospital and his association with the RVH Liver Support Group. He was accompanied by his wife Barbara and we had some little surprises lined up to mark his retirement from the Royal on April 30th.

As folk were gathering for the meeting and having some refreshments some of Dr Callender's favourite music played in the background. After he spoke to the attendees the Chairman Seamus Cunningham presented him with a piece of Waterford crystal, suitably engraved for the occasion. Kay Duffy then presented a bouquet of flowers to his wife Barbara. Both presentations were made on behalf of the members on the Support Group's mailing list. The Group President Gordon Cave then said a few words on how the group had formed such a good working relationship with the hospital under Dr Callender's watch, and thanked him for that.

Just to round off the evening, a group with whom Dr Callender has associations, Melisma, performed some of his own personal favourite music. This was really well received by all present. In conclusion, Dr Callender thanked those in attendance for making the evening such a memorsble occasion for him and his wife. Those present had some time to say their own personal farewell to our special guest.

Support for Organ Donation

We are continuing to be involved in several committees looking at ways to implement the recommendations of the Organ Donation Task Force.

An NHS road show was in Belfast on Saturday 13 February as part of a UK-wide campaign to close the gap between the number of people who say they`d be willing to accept an organ if they needed one – 96% - and those who have pledged to donate by joining the Organ Donor Register, currently 27%.