MOUNT Gambier patients will start treatment in the Mount Gambier Hospital’s purpose-built renal dialysis unit next month, which will usher in a new era in services.
Health Minister Stephen Wade yesterday toured the $2.3m new state-of-the-art facility.
The new facility – housing six dialysis chairs – will provide expanded services for people needing renal dialysis given it is three times larger than the previous unit.
An additional shift will be added at the facility, which will result in the number of people receiving treatment grow from 16 to 24.
Importantly, patients will no longer have to come in at night to receive lifesaving treatment and the new unit will comply with standards.
Mr Wade said he was thrilled to see the new facility come to fruition.
“The former unit had challenges in terms of space. It was not only cramped for patients and staff, but it was also a problem if there was a medical emergency and somebody needed to be retrieved,” he said.
While renal dialysis was a challenge for patients, the minister said the new facility would deliver a “bright environment” that would be significantly more comfortable.
Mr Wade also recognised the community fundraising campaign – through the Health Advisory Council (HAC) – that helped secure the project.
“It was a good example of the community getting behind the hospital,” he said.
“We are committed to continually improving rural health services and providing better support and care to all regional South Australians.”
The upgraded facility – constructed at the rear of the hospital – will provide access to modern equipment that will improve the wellbeing of patients and ensure they received the best possible care closer to home.
“It is fantastic to come to Mount Gambier Hospital to see first-hand the near complete project and talk to clinicians and patients how this will make a difference to the lives of patients in the South East,” Mr Wade said.
“… it is an exciting time for the many people who will benefit from having access to this service locally, their families and the whole community.
“We are committed to ensuring regional South Australians have better access to healthcare and this is another way we can deliver on that commitment and ensure patients can get their care closer to home.”
Limestone Coast Local Health Network chief executive officer Ngaire Buchanan said the upgrades would meet the growing needs of the community both now and into the future and improve the quality of patient care.
“Patients will benefit from a new, refreshed space with improved patient amenities, six spacious treatment bays and an office area to meet growing demand,” Ms Buchanan said.
“The upgrades will allow more patients to receive treatment closer to home, giving them time to focus on other aspects of their lives rather than travelling to other hospitals for treatment.
“We have worked closely with clinicians to design this unit to ensure patient comfort and care as a top priority and we would like to thank our staff for their valuable contributions.”
The construction tender for the new renal dialysis unit was awarded to Mossop Construction and Interiors, a South Australian-based company with offices in Mount Gambier.
The upgraded renal dialysis unit is expected to be fully operational mid next month.
