Dialysis patients to get funding
East Kimberley dialysis patients are set to benefit from a $6.99 million State Government boost to regional renal dialysis services.
The improvements will help patients living in rural and remote WA access treatment without leaving home.
Health Minister Kim Hames said the funding, from Royalties for Regions, would benefit people with chronic and end-stage renal disease in the Kimberley, Mid-West, Pilbara and Goldfields.
He said the boost is part of the $63.51 million Renal Dialysis Plan 2010 to 2021, jointly funded by the State and Federal governments.
"The first stage of the Renal Dialysis Plan will increase the number of dialysis chairs and provide patient accommodation in the regions, as well as additional staff," he said.
"This will enable people whose clinical condition is suitable to have dialysis in a rural or remote location … and reduce the need for many people to travel to Perth."
"This will … have social and economic benefits for communities, especially for Aboriginal families who experience significant fragmentation when parents and elders leave their community."
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the Renal Dialysis Plan would include satellite services in Fitzroy Crossing, Roebourne and Esperance.
It will also provide renal hostel accommodation in Kununurra, Fitzroy Crossing, Broome, Derby, Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie.
"With increasing numbers of people with chronic kidney disease in rural and remote WA, it's important we expand existing regional dialysis services, and also establish new services," he said.
"This investment in regional renal teams will build regional capacity and capability, improve the attraction and retention of clinical staff, and provide additional employment opportunities for a range of regional clinicians, including Aboriginal health workers."
