Central Highlands patients are a step closer to accessing dialysis treatment closer to home.
Design and construction firm Paynters has been appointed following a competitive procurement process to deliver the purpose-built, standalone unit on the Emerald Hospital campus.
The new satellite renal dialysis service will include five dialysis chairs, with construction scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 and opening to patients shortly after.
Once operational, eligible patients from Emerald, the Central Highlands and surrounding communities will be able to receive regular dialysis locally, reducing the need to travel to Rockhampton for treatment.
Locating the unit on the Emerald Hospital campus will also ensure patients have access to appropriate onsite clinical support when required.
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said the appointment of a builder was an important step towards delivering the new local service.
“Dialysis is an ongoing and significant part of a patient’s life, so being able to receive that care closer to home can make an enormous difference to their day-to-day wellbeing,” she said.
“Our teams are looking forward to seeing construction progress and, welcoming patients into a new service designed to provide safe, high-quality care closer to home.”
Central Highlands Director of Medical Services Dr Ewan McPhee said he was excited to see the renal serviced delivered in Emerald.
“We know our renal patients can face long journeys to access treatment, taking them away from their families, communities and employment,” Dr McPhee said.
“Delivering dialysis in Emerald will help reduce that burden while strengthening the care we can provide here in the Central Highlands.
“We will be bringing specialist expertise and additional nursing capability into the service, while also upskilling our existing nursing workforce to deliver renal care.
“Building that skilled workforce will have benefits beyond the renal service, strengthening the clinical capability available across Emerald Hospital.”