30 July 2009

Auburn renal dialysis service

A boost today for people who suffer kidney disease in western Sydney, with the NSW Government allocating almost a million dollars to the establishment of a dialysis unit at the new Auburn Hospital.

Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said rates of chronic kidney disease in western Sydney are growing in line with the state average and, by 2021, it is projected there will be 837 new patients in need of dialysis in this area.

“That is why space was incorporated into the new $145 million Auburn Hospital for a dialysis unit,” the Minister said.

“Today, I am pleased to announce a new six-chair satellite dialysis service at Auburn,” he added.

In welcoming the announcement, Member for Auburn, Barbara Perry, said it’s anticipated the new service will be up and running in September.

“A total of 24 renal patients from western Sydney will now be able to receive dialysis every week in a familiar environment close to family,” Ms Perry said.

Mr Della Bosca said the Government allocated $7.7 million towards the expansion of renal services in the 2009-10 state budget, including additional renal dialysis chairs, intensive therapy capacity, home dialysis support and prevention and education programs.

“Dialysis services are a vital component of managing the 3,215 patients with renal disease in NSW,” the Minister said.

“The Auburn service will bring to 70 the number of renal dialysis units in NSW. Nine have been opened in the past seven years, the latest at Mona Vale and Cooma in June this year, while many others have been expanded.

“This significant and ongoing investment in renal dialysis across the state demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring people have access to life-saving dialysis treatment as close as possible to where they live in NSW.

“NSW Health has also been working in partnership with clinicians to develop strategies to prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease. This will result in the early detection.

“One in seven Australian adults over the age of 25 has chronic kidney disease, which is responsible for the highest number of visits to our public hospitals, 2000 every day of the year.

“On top of that, 80 per cent of people with failed kidneys have high blood pressure, while up to two million Australians have kidney disease and don’t know it,” the Minister said.

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