Indigenous South Australians living in the APY Lands now have access to life-changing dialysis treatment, with the Purple House remote dialysis clinic officially opening this week in Pukatja.
Eyre and Far North Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Verity Paterson, said the new clinic will meet the growing need for dialysis services in remote communities.
“This is an exciting time for the region, as for the first time, a community-based dialysis clinic will be available to patients living in the APY Lands,” Ms Paterson said.
“Patients will have access to brand new dialysis equipment in a clinic that will provide world-class dialysis treatment, with clinical oversight provided by nephrologists from SA Health’s Rural Support Service and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.
“We know that remote patients often have to relocate from home to receive frequent dialysis treatment, and by the opening of this clinic we are hoping this will reduce.
“We are proud to be working with Purple House having provided funding towards the build and ongoing support for this project, to ensure we can continue to provide better support and care for South Australians living in remote areas.”
Director of Dialysis and Senior Staff Nephrologist, Prof Stephen McDonald, said the clinic will provide dialysis patients the opportunity to receive safer care closer to home, where they feel most comfortable.
“Patients on dialysis require treatment three times a week for up to four or five hours each session, which is a significant burden on the patient when having to travel out of their local area,” Prof McDonald said.
“For patients in the APY Lands, remaining connected to their community while also receiving treatment is important as it encourages them to stay well and look after themselves in the best way they can.
“The clinic provides state of the art support for patients, in an environment where they can feel and safe and comfortable during treatment, and most importantly remain in their home community.
“Allowing access to treatment closer to home will improve the wellbeing of our patients and enable them to have time to focus on other aspects of their lives, and reduce the isolation arising from relocating to major centres for dialysis treatment.”
Purple House Dialysis clinic officially opened on 7 November.
