RENAL dialysis patients have welcomed news the $2.1m redevelopment of the cramped facility at Mount Gambier Hospital will start this month.
The long awaited works follow years of lobbying by renal dialysis patients and community leaders.
Formerly described as the worst public renal dialysis unit in the state, the looming development will pave the way for the modern and functional facility at the hospital.
The extended and revamped unit will also help to meet growing demand for renal dialysis in the region.
It is understood there are 200 people in the region who are on the “pre-dialysis” list, which is expected to place growing pressure on services.
Renal dialysis patient Marjan Van Schaik – who was receiving treatment yesterday – said she was looking forward to more privacy.
“It will also be great to have more space so I can have visitors come and sit with me during my treatment,” Ms Van Schaik said.
“This will be better than watching the clock and having no visitors.”
Ms Van Schaik – who receives the lifesaving treatment up to four days per week with five hour sessions – said she more windows would also be welcome given the lack of natural light in the current unit.
Mount Gambier Hospital acting director of nursing Pam Schubert said the new redeveloped unit would be three times the size of the current facility.
She said the new unit would help to “future proof” services.
“It will give us a lot more scope to meet that growing demand,” Ms Schubert said.
“It will lovely to have something fresh and new for our patients, including more privacy.”
Country Health SA South East deputy chief executive officer Ngaire Buchanan said the new unit would be comfortable and spacious for long-stay patients receiving treatment.
“The unit was co-designed with clinicians, while taking into account patient views, to ensure the unit suits the needs of the community to prioritise patient-centred care and comfort,” Ms Buchanan said.
“The unit will have five spacious treatment bays, an isolation bay with a sixth chair complete with ensuite and a waiting room for families.”
The redevelopment will also house clean and dirty utility rooms, a shared kitchenette for families to use, toilet facilities, a store room, all new windows to create a light-filled space and a waiting room.
“The Mount Gambier Renal Unit Project Team has been fantastic in driving this project and we are looking forward to seeing our patients being treated in their new unit,” Ms Buchanan said.
Health Minister Stephen Wade said the construction tender for the $2.1m renal dialysis unit was recently awarded to Mossop Construction and Interiors, which had an office in Mount Gambier.
“We know demand for renal dialysis treatment in Mount Gambier is high and this expansion and upgrade will ensure locals and people throughout the region can receive world-class care as close to home as possible,” Mr Wade said.
“The renal dialysis unit will provide six treatment bays in a new section of the hospital, which will enable a further eight patients to be treated.
“The state-of-the-art unit will provide the highest quality of care for renal dialysis patients in Mount Gambier and the surrounding areas and patients can expect outstanding treatment, with brand new equipment and renal dialysis chairs.
“I would like to thank the local community for their generous support for the expansion by donating to the fundraising efforts led by the Mount Gambier Health Advisory Council.”
The new unit will also expand services available for visitors to Mount Gambier who need dialysis.
The unit expected to be completed in December 2019.
