The Territory Labor Government is increasing access to health services in remote communities with the official opening of a renal facility on the Tiwi Islands this week.
Minster for Health Natasha Fyles and Member for Arafura Lawrence Costa opened the $700,000 Pirlangimpi Renal Ready Room, which gives residents the option to remain on country for lifesaving treatment rather than travelling to Darwin where they are separated from family and community.
Equipped with four dialysis chairs, the new facility will allow trained patients to self-dialyse at a time convenient for them.
Pirlangimpi’s new renal ready room has the ability to treat up to 16 patients per week.
NT Renal patient numbers are expected to increase by 3% every year. Increasing access to care closer to home is one of the top priorities of the Territory Labor Government’s Renal Services Strategy 2017-2022.
Another renal facility on country is being planned for Central Australia.
As noted by the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
“All Territorians, no matter where they live deserve quality health services, this is why the Territory Labor Government is expanding renal services in the Territory.
“Most people living in remote communities need to relocate to an urban centre in order to receive dialysis treatment, which is upsetting and disruptive to the patient and their family, and also costly.
“There is overwhelming evidence that shows there are significant improvements to a patient’s overall health and wellbeing when receiving treatment at home where they can be comforted and supported by family,.
“With the appropriate resources, training, and support, self-care management of renal dialysis treatment is an effective way for people with end-stage renal failure to be treated in communities.”
As noted by the Local Member for Arafura, Lawrence Costa:
“The Territory Labor Government knows that when our bush communities are strong the Territory is strong.”
“Kidney disease is already a huge problem on the Tiwi Islands and across the Territory and it’s important for our mob to be able to be with family on country when they get sick.”
“The community of Pirlangimpi has been lobbying for a renal ready room and I’m proud to be able to deliver that for my people.”
