Minister of Health Tony RyallMonday 30 July 2012, 1:22PM
Media release from Minister of Health Tony Ryall
A new $1.3m satellite dialysis unit in Gisborne, officially opened
today by Health Minister Tony Ryall, will save people travelling
the 756km to Hamilton for treatment.
"Previously some people travelled the 10 hour round trip from
Gisborne to Hamilton and stayed away from their families for
several weeks to have treatment," says Mr Ryall. "I am also aware
that some people have left the area as they've found the travel
combined with the up to six hours of treatment three hours a week
too onerous.
"This government is committed to ensuring people have better,
sooner, more convenient health services and this new dialysis unit
will enable more Gisborne people to receive their treatment much
closer to home.
"Up to 36 people a week will use the six dialysis machines in the
new facility. Specialist nurses, supported by a local physician,
work in the unit and provide care for individuals where
home-dialysis isn't possible. If a person's home is not suitable
for a dialysis machine, for example, they will now be able to use
this facility instead of travelling to Hamilton.
"There are over 2300 people in New Zealand using dialysis to treat
renal disease. Slightly more than half of these people manage their
own dialysis at home or in the community.
"Dialysis treatment at home or in the community means people can
have a more normal life by fitting in the long treatments into
their routine, rather than having to travel to Hamilton and attend
set appointment times.
"Having these satellite units also helps ensure the specialist
dialysis unit at Waikato Hospital is reserved for people unable to
manage at home or in the community.
Earlier this year, Mr Ryall opened a community dialysis house in
South Auckland, one of six community dialysis facilities opened
throughout the country in the past four years. There are plans for
two more dialysis units in Auckland and one in Wanganui.