22 October 2008

Boost for dialysis patients on Lower Mid North Coast

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said dialysis patients on the Lower Mid North Coast are set to benefit from a new acute dialysis unit.

“The $1.1-million dialysis unit includes six inpatient chairs and provides community dialysis support services for Lower Mid North Coast residents,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“The expanded local services will have a real benefit for patients locally.

“For the first time, people on the Lower Mid North Coast requiring in-hospital acute haemodialysis will be able to have treatment locally.”

“This means most people will no longer have the additional burden of travelling to locations away from home, family and friends for this kind of treatment.

“Over the few couple of years we have seen a large increase in the numbers of people requiring transfer to Newcastle for acute dialysis so today’s announcement will certainly address a growing need and give people access to the services they need, where they need them,” the Minister said.

The new unit will be officially opened on Thursday (Eds: 23 October 2008) at Manning Hospital by Hunter New England Health Chief Executive Dr Nigel Lyons.

“The new six-chair unit will initially provide treatment for an additional six people each week,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“The funding will also provide community and outreach services to support patients and carers and options for home dialysis services.”

The establishment of the inpatient dialysis unit at Manning Hospital and expansion of community dialysis renal services complements the existing limited care community dialysis service provided by the Nita Reed Centre at Taree, which is operated by Hunter New England Health.

A patient with renal disease has dialysis three times or more a week, with each treatment taking several hours to complete. It is a stressful treatment and the benefits of not having to travel large distances to undergo treatment will be recognised by patients.

“This new service will also help attract and retain clinicians in renal medicine to work in the region,” Mr Della Bosca said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au