Hope Foundation and FCIB give Lupus patients Essential Kits

by Shamar Blunt

Barbadians suffering from Lupus will soon have their lives made a little bit easier, as the Hope Foundation begins the process of making Lupus Essential Kits available to their clients in due time.

This revelation comes from consultant Rheumatologist at the foundation, Dr Cindy Flower, as she spoke during a press briefing at the Hope Foundation’s head office on Friday.

According to Dr Flower, in these times of COVID-19, it was more important now than ever for Lupus patients to be able to monitor their health from the comfort of their home, while at the same time avoiding medical institutions which are currently operating at a higher capacity.

“The Hope Foundation has always been about patient empowerment. So we realized we wanted patients to take ownership of their disease and we can help them do so.

“The idea was to formulate a kit that they can keep at home, and they will help monitor themselves. The thing that is important to monitor when you have Lupus is your blood pressure. You check your urine for protein, because I will mention… though most people think kidney disease causes back pain, most times kidney disease gives no symptoms till the kidney is failing. So we need patients to be diagnosed early,” she explained.

The 100 kits currently available each contain a blood pressure machine, urine test strips for protein, a thermometer, a purple broad-brimmed hat for protecting from the sun, and an extra mask for COVID-19 health protocols. All items in the kit were specially chosen to assist patients as best as possible, in the self-management of their health.

The project has been predominantly funded by CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank. Director of Corporate Banking Barrington Watson says his organisation saw the need to assist where they could in supporting these lifesaving kits for patients.

“The bank is happy to be part of this project to donate the funds [allowing] you to acquire the 100 kits needed with these digital blood pressure machines and thermometers that will allow Lupus patients to better study their condition, by checking their blood pressure and temperature daily.

“This will allow the doctors to remotely monitor the patients so that there is an early alert to see if more acute care is required,” he said.

Currently, the Hope Foundation is following 300 cases of Lupus on the island, with 25 new cases being diagnosed by the organization annually. (SB)