Construction on a new renal dialysis unit at the Mount Gambier and Districts Hospital will soon begin, allowing local patients to be cared for closer to home.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the construction tender for the $2.1 million renal dialysis unit was recently awarded, paving way for work to begin mid this month.
"We know demand for renal dialysis treatment in Mount Gambier is high, and this expansion and upgrade will ensure locals and people throughout the region can receive world-class care as close to home as possible," Minister Wade said.
"The renal dialysis unit will provide six treatment bays in a new section of the hospital, which will enable a further eight patients to be treated.
"The state-of-the-art unit will provide the highest quality of care for renal dialysis patients in Mount Gambier and the surrounding areas, and patients can expect outstanding treatment, with brand new equipment and renal dialysis chairs.
"I would like to thank the local community for their generous support for the expansion by donating to the fundraising efforts led by the Mount Gambier Health Advisory Council. Who could forget the Bollywood Ball?"
Country Health SA (CHSA) Deputy Chief Executive Officer South East, Ngaire Buchanan, said the new unit will be comfortable and spacious for long-stay patients receiving treatment.
"The unit was co-designed with clinicians, while taking into account patient views, to ensure the unit suits the needs of the community to prioritise patient-centred care and comfort," Ms Buchanan said.
"The unit will have five spacious treatment bays, an isolation bay with a sixth chair complete with ensuite, and a waiting room for families.
"There will also be clean and dirty utility rooms, a shared kitchenette for families to use, toilet facilities, a store room, all new windows to create a light-filled space, and other important necessities for patients to feel comfortable throughout their treatment.
"The Mount Gambier Renal Unit Project Team has been fantastic in driving this project and we are looking forward to seeing our patients being treated in their new unit."
The construction tender for the new renal dialysis unit was awarded to Mossop Construction + Interiors, a South Australian-based company with offices in Mount Gambier.
The unit expected to be completed in December 2019.
