Haemodialysis

Haemodialysis is a treatment option for people with End Stage Kidney Disease. 

Dialysis is the process of removing toxins and extra fluid from the blood to replace the function of the failed kidneys.

Blood from the patient is pumped from the body through special tubing to the dialysis machine, where it travels through the dialyser, is cleaned and then returned to the patient.

Once the patient has received a life-line, through either a fistula or permcath to allow haemodialysis to occur, and has spent around two weeks in the in-centre haemodialysis unit to stabilise, the patient may be transferred to our Satellite Unit to continue their treatment.

The Haemodialysis Unit at Wonthaggi has nine chairs and operates from Monday to Saturday, 7am to 8pm. Afternoon sessions are currently available on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. The unit facilitates treatments as per community demand but sometimes there is a waiting list. This means patients may need to attend another unit until a position becomes available. We always aim to be responsive to referrals.

We also welcome patients who wish to take holidays whilst on haemodialysis. Pre-planning is essential and we recommend patients:
•  call the Wonthaggi Dialysis Unit to discuss their request
•  notify their 'main' haemodialysis unit when planning to go on holiday
•  organise a medical letter from their Nephrologist detailing their renal condition and current treatment, and
•  bring a sufficient quantity of medications.  

Availability
Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8pm.

Contact details
Phone: (03) 5671 3309.