THE community is ramping up its campaign to push for the urgent upgrade of the renal dialysis unit at Mount Gambier Hospital amid it now being dubbed by specialists as the worst in the state.
While the State Government has listed the unit as a regional infrastructure priority for some years, patients are continuing to squeeze into the over-crowded and inadequate facility.
It is understood five patients are now on a waiting list due to a lack of chairs and 11 people with advanced renal failure could require dialysis at any time.
Revelations have also emerged none of the 14 people undertaking dialysis are “transparent” candidates, which means a person has to die before another chair can be made available.
This comes as the government hands out millions of dollars for renal upgrades at centres closer to Adelaide.
Maureen Klintberg – who is leading the community fundraising campaign for the renal unit – called on the government to show “urgency” on the issue.
She described the funding lag by the government as “alarming” given the unacceptable conditions facing patients and staff.
“There are 200 patients currently being screened with chronic kidney disease in the region,” Ms Klintberg said.
“The Mount Gambier renal dialysis unit – which only has four chairs – serves a population base of more than 80,000.”
Ms Klintberg – who has toured the overcrowded unit and vowed to step up her community campaign – said patients, staff and specialists were expressing frustration over the lack of simple amenities.
Despite patients sitting there many hours every week, she said there was no room for visitors and no privacy.
“The inability to have a friend or loved one sit with them is difficult,” Ms Klintberg said.
The campaigner – who is helping to coordinate a fund-raising event at the hospital – also revealed staff were working in difficult conditions.
“Staff must go outside to run water and test the chlorine levels – there is no overhead cover when it is raining,” Ms Klintberg said.
Worryingly, she revealed there were no oxygen connections on walls, with a cylinder standing outside the door.
Ms Klintberg said she was stunned to learn other health facilities closer to Adelaide have had renal upgrades, despite servicing much smaller populations.
This follows Maitland Hospital – which services a township population of just 1263 – being awarded $650,000 for a renal dialysis upgrade.
Equally, the Gawler Hospital – which is just 22km from Lyell McEwin Hospital – was awarded a $2.2m upgrade to a nine chair unit.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell – who has been leading the push for the upgrade – said Country Health SA had confirmed the upgrade of the renal dialysis unit facility continued to be one of its priorities for capital development.
“I understand that funding was allocated during 2016/17 to commence planning for the future development of this unit and that a concept plan has been developed,” Mr Bell said.
“I have written to Country Health SA requesting to meet with them to discuss the concept plans, funding for the upgrade and the future progress of this matter.”
The MP was also seeking a meeting this week with newly appointed Health Minister Peter Malinauskas.
Mr Bell has also written to newly appointed health minister seeking his commitment to the upgrade of the renal dialysis unit and requested an opportunity to meet with him this week.
“The Mount Gambier Hospital unit is the only renal dialysis unit south of Murray Bridge,” he said.
“There have been recent upgrades to the renal dialysis units at Noarlunga, Gawler and Maitland Hospital.”
Country Health SA South East director Jayne Downs said the hospital currently had four renal dialysis chairs operating from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, servicing all members of the community who required haemodialysis.
“We acknowledge there is a growing requirement for local renal dialysis services in the future and are working toward meeting this need,” Ms Downs said.
“We welcome the fantastic community fundraising work being led by the Mount Gambier Health Advisory Council and with the involvement of health service staff.”
She said this fundraising would support the expansion of the size and capacity of the current renal dialysis unit.
“The expansion of the unit will, when progressed, be a major project and will require architectural planning and specification in its early stages.”
Tickets are still available for the Bollywood Ball on October 14 at The Barn to raise money for the dialysis unit.
Tickets are available from the Commodore on the Park, Birdie Blue and the hospital.
