REDLAND HOSPITAL’S FIRST DIALYSIS UNIT OPENS

Redland patients requiring regular renal dialysis can now receive treatment closer to home thanks to a Beattie-Government funded facility, Health Minister Stephen Robertson and the Member for Cleveland Phil Weightman said today.

“Until now, renal patients living in the greater Bayside area have had to travel to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for their dialysis,” Mr Robertson said.

“Now they can get the same treatment at Redland Hospital and save several hours in travel each week.”

“Redland Hospital’s first ever renal dialysis unit has opened earlier than scheduled and is now providing a much-needed service for local residents.

“At present, three sessions are provided each week to six patients but by the end of this year the unit will expand to six sessions per week allowing 12 patients to receive care in their own community.”

Mr Weightman said Queensland Health decided to run an interim six-chair renal unit while a permanent 12-chair unit was being built.

“We’ve fast-tracked local renal dialysis treatment to respond to increasing demand for dialysis services in the local community,” he said.

“A purpose-built 12-chair renal unit is currently under construction as part of the Beattie Government’s $15.4 million Redland Hospital redevelopment.

“It is scheduled to open in mid-2007 and will be housed in a new facility behind the main hospital.”

Mr Robertson said the number of Queenslanders diagnosed with severe kidney failure is estimated at 13,400.

“This figure is growing by around six percent every year,” he said.

“By providing dialysis services closer to where people live, we can reduce the stress and strain associated with having to travel long distances to receive care.”

Specialist nursing staff from Princess Alexandra Hospital have been contracted to help establish the new unit and over the coming months additional local staff will be recruited and trained.

Mr Robertson said Redland Hospital’s renal service was a significant step in the countdown to the opening of the new emergency department next year.

“The emergency department is being expanded from 13 to 31 treatment spaces,” he said.

“The extra beds and purpose-built design will allow better access for all patients and help improve patient flow through the department and the whole hospital.

“The next milestone in the redevelopment is the completion of the new pharmacy department, which will open by the end of October.

“Expanded pathology and health records departments will follow.

“This redevelopment will ensure Redland Hospital has the infrastructure to meet the growing demand for health services in the Bayside suburbs.”

Architects’ drawings are on display in the main foyer of the hospital.

MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185