Merv Murphy
- Location:
- Mudgeeraba
Merv Murphy’s ongoing dedication and commitment to the Queensland Renal Association Inc. (QRAI) has ensured that renal patients on the Gold Coast receive the best possible care. For the past 15 years, Merv has worked as a volunteer for QRAI and is currently the association’s treasurer.
He travels to the dialysis unit at the Gold Coast Hospital every week to perform his finance duties and spends hours talking to patients on dialysis. The hospital staff say it is an honour to work alongside Merv who at 83 years of age is an outstanding role model in his community.
As the longest standing QRAI committee member on the Gold Coast, Merv has been instrumental in establishing the renal van patient transport system. This system, which transports dialysis patients to four hospitals using four vehicles, has freed up the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) to attend to its routine and emergency services for the general public. Merv’s ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with the QAS contributed greatly to the success of the transport system.
The QRAI relies on fundraising and Merv has worked tirelessly over the years selling raffle tickets, sizzling sausages and auctioning goods at charity functions. He also assists renal patients with equipment and supports nurses to provide education and information to all patients with kidney failure.
Without Merv’s drive and determination, renal patients on the Gold Coast would not enjoy the standard of care they do today.
Last updated: 19 August 2008.