Hospital Makerspace
Adult Dialysis Designers Program
Project Development This project will see the development of a Makeway Lab program designed specifically for adults living with Kidney disease and trial and research the activities to gauge their benefit.
The project will establish a collective of ‘dialysis designers’ and deliver an exhibition and popup shop to showcase and sell their work.
How For this project the Makeway Lab will be a portable facility that can be located within dialysis unit and community art space. The dialysis participants will develop their skills and designs while having treatment using specific software and guiding tutorials.
The program will be developed in partnership with patients, hospital staff, healthcare and university professional and digital fabrication experts. The activities will be facilitated by creative and digital fabrication experts.
The participants will learn digital design and fabrication techniques and develop skills in marketing and business management.
Evidence of demand Since launching the Makeway Lab at the 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing Seminar, The Edge, SLQ, on 13 Feb. 2013, Blue Sky View has undertaken research, to develop the project, at Sunshine Coast and northern NSW hospitals.
The demand for this project is evident when considering there were ‘a total of 11,446 people receiving dialysis treatment at the end of 2012 [in Australia]. This presents an increase of 4.1% from 2011 alone. (Kidney Health Australia, 2014).
For some the life of people living with Kidney disease is dependent on being connected to a dialysis machine for close to 800 hours per year, the equivalent of 22 working weeks a year.
Rationale For patients - The Makeway Lab aims to motivate and empower patients; encourage participation; rehabilitation and healing; improve pain management and potentially re-skill people to build and renew their enthusiasm for life.
With the view that we feel alive and valued when we can make and provide things, the Makeway Lab program will improve the hospital experience for patients and motivate their rehabilitation and wellbeing.
For hospitals - The Makeway program accounts for the mental, social and physical health of patients, providing hospitals an innovative holistic service.
Who The project is being developed by Blue Sky View (BSV) a Sunshine Coast based company that delivers exhibitions, projects and events in partnership with artists, community groups, corporation and government. www.blueskyview.com.au
The Makeway Lab is a Blue Sky View program supported by Arts Queensland
