Celebrating the news of the new $2 million Moree Renal Dialysis Unit on the site where it will be constructed, back row, left, Moree Community Health Service Manager Anne Lemon, Hunter New England Mehi Sector General Manager David Quirk, Hunter New England Health Executive Director Susan Heyman, Moree Renal Unit Manager Jodie Slack-Smith and Moree Health Services Manager Bronwyn Cosh. Front, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Moree Renal Support Group Treasurer Lola Shearer
Friday, 16 February 2018
New Renal Dialysis Unit on the way for Moree
THE Moree community has been successful in its campaign for a new and expanded renal dialysis unit, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said today, announcing $2 million from the NSW Government to construct the purpose-built facility at Moree Hospital.
Mr Marshall made the announcement alongside local health officials and members of the Moree Renal Support Group, who fundraised to build the original dialysis unit.
He said the new eight-chair unit would be constructed adjacent to the existing hospital and tenders were being called immediately for the project by Hunter New England Health.
“This is a huge win for everyone in the Moree community,” a delighted Mr Marshall said.
“Credit must go to the community for its strong support over many years for local renal services, particularly the members of the Renal Support Group, who have fundraised and campaigned hard for a modern and expanded dialysis unit.
“Moree’s renal patients deserve the best and the new unit will significantly boost dialysis capacity and cater for future demand.
“This purpose-built extension to the hospital will house seven open renal bays, plus one isolation renal bay for patients with end stage chronic kidney disease who may risk infection.
“With vastly increased space, modern construction and a pleasant outlook, Moree’s new Renal Unit will be a much more comfortable place for patients to undergo treatment, accompanied by friends and family.
“Tenders will go out immediately, allowing this project to progress without delay to ensure patients can make use of these improved facilities as soon as possible.”
Mr Marshall said the community had long since outgrown the existing five-chair renal unit and this project was essential.
“Moree’s existing renal unit is at capacity, forcing some patients to make the six-hour drive to Tamworth three days a week and home dialysis is a prohibitively expensive alternative for many,” Mr Marshall said.
“I commend the exceptional effort by Moree Hospital staff, who have been running multiple shifts to maximise the usage of the current facility.
“Moree’s Renal Support Committee has also proven vital to helping local people find access to this community, working countless voluntary hours to rearrange chair bookings and advocate for new infrastructure.”
Mr Marshall said the funding had come following an extended campaign for improved services.
“I want to thank Hunter New England Health and Health Minister Brad Hazzard for responding in such a positive way to the Moree community and the campaign for this import new health facility,” he said.