PATIENTS with kidney failure can now plan holidays without the worry of missing life-saving treatment, with the launch of the first mobile dialysis bus service.
Hundreds of patients will receive dialysis on the Big Red Kidney Bus, which is touring popular holiday spots throughout NSW.
The bus, a partnership between Royal North Shore Hospital and Kidney Health Australia, is a sophisticated unit fitted with three dialysis chairs.
At full capacity, the servive wlll provide about 1500 dialysis treatments a year.
It complements the state-wide service delivered through the hospital’s Sydney Dialysis Centre.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the state government has provided funding for up to 250 patients a year to receive dialysis on the bus.
“It is tough enough living with kidney disease, without being tied down to your home and unable to take a break due to the restrictions of dialysis,” he said.
“This fantastic service means that patients can plan a trip or travel to see friends and family and still be able to receive life-saving treatment.”
The bus will be at Umina on the Central Coast until June 24, before heading to Nelson Bay (July 3-August 1), Coffs Harbour (August 21-September 30) and Ballina (October 9-November 18), stopping for six weeks in each location.
- Bookings 1800-454-363 or email bigredkidneybus@kidney.org.au
