Bass Coast Health (BCH) is easing the burden of accessing care for patients in need of haemodialysis in South Gippsland and Bass Coast.
BCH, together with Monash Health, provides a haemodialysis service for patients with end-stage kidney disease, and also offers a transport service to get patients to and from Wonthaggi Hospital for care.
Dialysis cleans toxins from the blood of patients, performing the blood cleansing function usually provided by the kidneys.
With World Kidney Day on Thursday 13 March, it’s timely to note that in 2024, BCH delivered more than 3,000 dialysis sessions to patients. Without this treatment, they would not survive.
Patients are typically treated for five hours, three times a week, while their blood is filtered by a machine that performs the function of a kidney.
Patient Alan Farrow of Coronet Bay appreciates the convenience of the service at Wonthaggi Hospital, as well as the service of BCH’s Volunteer Transport Drivers who take him home after dialysis.
“When I haven’t driven for eight months, I find the transport service very handy, very good. The drivers are so friendly,” he said.
“I’ve been coming to Wonthaggi Hospital for dialysis for two-and-a-half years. They’re fantastic. They make you special and they’re so personable.”
Haemodialysis Ward Nurse Unit Manager Christie McKellar said dialysis patients range in age.
“It’s a rewarding service to be able to provide this vital care to our patients, and to be able to provide the emotional support and education they need,” she said.
The Haemodialysis service at Wonthaggi Hospital operates from Monday to Saturday. To book dialysis treatment at Wonthaggi Hospital, phone 5671 3309. To receive dialysis, patients need to be referred by their Nephrologist and come through a referral pathway via Monash Health.
Transport is arranged between the Haemodialysis and Volunteer Transport Service teams at BCH.