In 1982, postmaster and former metallurgist Purshotam ‘Tosh’ Sehgal was diagnosed with diabetes and for many years he controlled his condition well. Just before the coronavirus pandemic, Tosh was diagnosed with pneumonia as his kidney function was discovered to be deteriorating due to his long-term condition.
After referral to the renal department at the Freeman Hospital, he was in regular contact with the team as they supported him with regular check-ins via phone and FaceTime calls.
His wife and retired postmaster Nirmal ‘Nimmi’ Sehgal said: “Tosh had a huge amount of confidence in the renal department and ward 32 was so special to him as were the staff.
“When the decision was made that he needed dialysis, the staff support was phenomenal, from training to reassurance to arranging his needs when travelling, the team always supported the family, for which we will be forever thankful.
“The lovely staff exhibit a huge amount of compassion to each patient and their family. They help with decision making, guiding and explaining all the options as well as training Tosh and I to deliver the home dialysis so he could enjoy the maximum amount of time at home as possible.”
When Tosh sadly died in 2024 aged 82, the family unanimously agreed they wanted to do something in memory of a dear grandad, father and husband, and as a thank you to the renal team that cared for him. Led by Nimmi following conversations with the team, a fluid heater cabinet was suggested as the old one needed an upgrade. Newcastle Hospitals Charity received the donation and then arranged for the cabinet to be purchased on Nimmi’s behalf.
Dan O’Donnell, nurse specialist in peritoneal dialysis, said: “Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a form of renal replacement therapy that is done at home, either independently or with assistance from family members or a trained third-party healthcare provider.
“In Tosh’s case he was doing overnight automated PD. Some people do daytime PD exchanges. The PD fluid needs to be warm (body temperature) before being instilled. Patients at home have a heater on the machine or a separate heater plate if doing CAPD. In hospital, we have a ‘warming cabinet’ where we pre-load bags to use for patients either attending for routine flushes or for those who are acutely unwell.”
The renal team arranged for a formal event to allow Nimmi and Tosh’s three sons, their partners and her grandchildren to attach a memorial plaque to the cabinet in memory of Tosh.
Nimmi explained: “The event was lovely, and we were very humbled by the number of staff that managed to attend the presentation. The kind words they used to describe Tosh will stay with the family forever. Tosh would be very touched.”
Dan said: “We are extremely grateful for this wonderful time saving donation from the Sehgal family. The offer to supply a new lockable warmer, that we could keep in the clinical area was amazing.”
Patients and their families who regularly ask about making a donation to the hospital where a loved one was treated can make a gift via Newcastle Hospitals Charity. None of the work we do would be possible without the generosity of supporters like Nimmi and her family.
For advice and guidance on giving, please get in touch
