Antrim nurses go the extra mile for young renal patients at national Kidney Care event

Hazelle Ongcoy and Caillee McHugh represented the Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Two dedicated nurses from Antrim Area Hospital’s renal unit have gone above and beyond for their patients by volunteering at Kidney Care UK’s Young Adult Weekend — a life-changing experience for young people living with kidney conditions.

Hazelle Ongcoy and Caillee McHugh represented the Northern Health and Social Care Trust at the annual event held last month at Mount Cook in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District.

The Young Adult Weekend, organised by the national charity Kidney Care UK, brings together 18–30-year-olds from across the UK who live with long-term kidney conditions.

The event provides a safe and supportive environment for participants to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, educational workshops, and social events — helping to build friendships and confidence among young people facing similar health challenges.

Hazelle Ongcoy with one of the young people who attended Kidney Care UK’s Young Adult Weekend

Hazelle and Caillee’s participation marked a first for the Northern Trust, and they were the only renal nurses from Northern Ireland to attend this year’s residential.

Their role was vital throughout the weekend, taking responsibility for patient safety, dialysis support, and wellbeing, ensuring every participant could fully enjoy the experience.

Damien McLaughlin, Renal Unit Charge Nurse at Antrim Area Hospital, praised their dedication:

“Hazelle and Caillee are great ambassadors for the standard of care we provide for our patients and their willingness to give up their own time to support this initiative shows how this doesn’t stop at the door when an appointment is over.

“Dialysis patients have a life outside the hospital and by helping to promote independence and make shared connections, trips like this really make a difference to patients’ overall wellbeing.

“It was a very worthwhile experience for both Hazelle and Caillee, and we’re looking forward to building on our commitment to the project while continuing the good work which they have started.”

Hazelle Ongcoy takes part in games during Kidney Care UK’s Young Adult Weekend.

The pair’s involvement reflects a growing commitment across the Northern Trust to support holistic care and social wellbeing for patients living with long-term conditions, beyond the hospital environment.

The Kidney Care UK Young Adult Weekend continues to play a crucial role in empowering young renal patients — helping them build resilience, independence and lifelong friendships.