Bass Coast Health (BCH) is now hosting the Big Red Kidney Bus mobile dialysis unit at Wonthaggi Hospital to provide haemodialysis to visitors to the Bass Coast.
The service by Kidney Health Australia and Monash Health enables haemodialysis patients to enjoy a holiday in the Bass Coast while still receiving life-saving care.
The bus will be at Wonthaggi Hospital until 15 April. Two weeks’ notice is preferred for bookings, which can be made by phoning 1800 454 363, online at kidney.org.au/bus or by emailing bigredkidneybus@kidney.org.au
“The bus offers those on dialysis the opportunity to get out of the four walls of their usual hospital and take a holiday in beautiful locations such as Phillip Island and Wonthaggi,” said Chris Forbes, CEO of Kidney Health Australia.
“The bus also highlights the prevalence of kidney disease, which has doubled in the last 20 years. As people can lose 90 per cent of kidney function with no symptoms, the message of getting tested before symptoms appear is critical, especially for Australians already living with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
“A new report from Deloitte Access Economics was launched on World Kidney Day on 9 March, outlining the human and economic benefits of early detection. Kidney Health Australia also found the federal electorate of Monash is ranked 27th out of 150 electorates in Australia for having the highest cases of kidney disease (1,692 diagnosed, 16,098 undiagnosed). Reaching those undiagnosed at early stage will increase their quality of life significantly.”
Patient John Casey from Terang is visiting his son in Wonthaggi and appreciates the convenient service the bus provides.
“The last time I visited my son I could only see him for a night because I needed to get home for dialysis, but because the bus is here, I’m able to stay for five nights while I have two treatments, so it’s perfect,” he said.
“This is a really good service because I have not been able to see my son too much because I’ve been confined because of my treatment.”
Mr Casey usually receives dialysis at South West Healthcare’s Warrnambool Base Hospital.
Another patient, John Sevastopoulos of Doncaster, is staying at Coronet Bay.
“I love the area. It’s near the beach and I’ve been coming here for 20 years,” he said.
The bus will return to Phillip Island from Monday 13 November to Saturday 9 December 2023 and be at the NRMA Phillip Island holiday park at 164 Church Street, Cowes.