More patients living with kidney failure will now receive treatment thanks to the NSW Government’s $647,000 expansion of the renal dialysis unit at Griffith Base Hospital.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the upgrade will provide for three additional nurses at the renal unit and two more specialised dialysis chairs.

“Patients with end-stage renal disease spend many hours a week undergoing haemodialysis and they should be comfortable during their treatment,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The upgrade, which is expected to begin early next year, will mean an extra eight patients will receive vital dialysis each week and have the nurse support they need.”

The funding for the expanded renal unit follows the $720,000 upgrade to the maternity unit in 2014 and the $35 million committed towards the Stage 1 upgrade of the Hospital.

Griffith Base Hospital provided more than 3,660 treatments to 40 patients living with kidney failure in 2016 and the expanded unit will increase its capacity by a third.

Early kidney disease has no signs or symptoms and can affect people of all ages. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, weight problems, people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, smokers and those with a family history of kidney problems should ask their doctor for a Kidney Health Check every two years.

Mr Hazzard said he was delighted to hear members of the local Aboriginal community were consulted in the planning for the upgraded service and their input taken onboard.

“Providing an inclusive dialysis service close to home is important to the Aboriginal community and helps ensure the life-saving service is used,” Mr Hazzard said.

The concept plan is now complete and construction will be ready to commence following completion of detailed engineering design, a competitive tendering process and engagement of the successful contractor.

The expanded service is expected to be operational by mid-2018.​