18 September 2009

State-of-the-art renal dialysis service opens at Auburn

Minister for Health, Carmel Tebbutt, and Member for Auburn Barbara Perry visited Auburn Hospital today to meet patients in the brand new Renal Dialysis Unit.

The NSW Government has invested almost one million dollars in this new six chair unit which will provide dialysis treatment for up to 24 people each week,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“The outpatient unit has the latest state-of-the-art dialysis technology. The purpose built unit has large windows and spacious airy rooms, ensuring plenty of natural light which creates a more therapeuticsetting.”

Ms Perry said the new unit will be warmly welcomed by people in the local area.

“People in Auburn who need outpatient dialysis will no longer have to travel to other hospitals for their treatment. Patients can receive their dialysis in a familiar environment close to family and friends,” Ms Perry said.

“Therapy should not dominate peoples’ lives. The unit’s home-like environment is specially designed to make people as comfortable and relaxed as possible.”

Director for Renal Medicine Professor Jeremy Chapman said up to two million Australians have kidney disease and don’t know it.

“The most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity,”
Professor Chapman said.

“These conditions are largely preventable. People can significantly reduce their risk of developing
kidney disease by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly.”

Ms Tebbutt said NSW Health had also been working in partnership with clinicians to develop strategies to prevent or slow the progression of serious kidney disease.

“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,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“This is why the NSW Government is investing in Renal Dialysis Units in more hospitals.

“The addition of the Auburn Dialysis service will bring the total number of renal dialysis units in NSW to 70.”

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