“It’s a happy occasion” were the first words from renal physician Dr Purvish Patel on the opening day of Manning Hospital’s new renal dialysis unit.
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On Friday, October 26 patients and staff moved into the purpose-built facility that features eight treatment chairs, two home training chairs and an isolation room in addition to new machines and facilities.
“It’s a palace - the machines and facilities are top quality with cutting-edge technology,” Dr Patel said.
“It’s also an improvement to patient comfort.”
The unit is named in honour of local health advocate Nita Reed who helped established a renal dialysis service in Chatham Avenue.
As the unit is part of extensions to Manning Hospital, Dr Patel stressed the importance of the new location.
“The old building wasn’t purpose-built for renal dialysis. That made it harder to monitor patients.
“This has increased efficiency.
“Also, if patients get sick we are closer to medical personnel,” Dr Patel said.
Renal nurse unit manager Leanne Kelly was thrilled to move into the new unit.
“This is a great new facility that gives us close access to the hospital and Dr Patel,” Ms Kelly said.
Over the years, Dr Patel has witnessed vast changes and improvements to access to renal services in the area.
“We rarely have to send people to Newcastle now for dialysis,” he said.
Dr Patel said the next step in developing the service is to secure funding to support home dialysis treatment.
It’s a palace - the machines and facilities are top quality with cutting-edge technology.
- Dr Purvish Patel, renal physician
Dialysis patient David Chaffey has required treatment for four and a half years. He visits the unit three days a week.
Treatment can take upwards of four and half hours each time.
“When you consider the travel, you have to write off the whole day,” Mr Chaffey said.
When asked about the dedication and helpfulness of staff, Mr Chaffey was only too happy to reply.
“I’d give them 97 and a half per cent.
“You’ve always got to leave some room for improvement,” he smiled.
The building that houses the unit was unveiled earlier this month, with oncology staff moving in on Tuesday, October 23.
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