New renal dialysis service to be established at Kingaroy Hospital

South Burnett residents will benefit from a new renal dialysis service to be established at Kingaroy Hospital next year, Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced today.

Mr Robertson said a six chair, nurse-assisted renal dialysis service was expected to be up and running by mid-2009.

“This is a real boost to South Burnett residents who need access to dialysis treatment for a chronic kidney condition,” he said.

"It will benefit patients who currently have to travel to other parts of the state for renal dialysis.

“The new service represents an important expansion of local health infrastructure and is yet another sign of the Bligh Government’s commitment to delivering better health services to regional Queensland.”

Mr Robertson said a demountable unit, to be relocated to the Kingaroy Hospital site from Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in late November, would house the new renal unit.

“The Government will provide $603,000 in recurrent funding each year to ensure the new renal unit delivers sustainable renal services to South Burnett residents,” he said.

“We’re also providing funding to establish infrastructure for the service.

“The recruitment and training of renal nurses and clinicians will get underway in early 2009 and we expect the service to be operational mid-way through next year.

“We recognise there has been significant community concern about dialysis services in Kingaroy, and we’re responding to those concerns.

“I’d like to thank the local community, and particularly to the Kingaroy Hospital Auxiliary, which raised about $50,000 towards furnishing the renal unit”.

Mr Robertson said a steering committee would oversee the establishment of the new renal service.

He said site works, including a water treatment plant and a full fit-out of the new renal dialysis unit, would occur in early-to-mid 2009.

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680