Patients in the Tweed Valley who rely on life-saving kidney dialysis can now receive treatment a little closer to home.
A new $1.1 million satellite renal unit was at officially opened today (Monday September 3) at Murwillumbah District Hospital by outgoing Lismore MP Thomas George (Nationals).
He described the service as ‘a great addition to the wonderful Murwillumbah Hospital,’ adding it was ‘designed to meet projections for future demand as our population ages and grows’.
‘Satellite dialysis is a contemporary model of care with many patient benefits,’ Mr George said.
‘Anyone who has undergone dialysis knows the toll it takes on their body, their family and their life.
‘The additional capacity provided by this satellite renal unit will create benefits for all patients in the region. It will be a wonderful complement to the planned Tweed Valley Hospital development,’ he said.
Staying open
Mr George took the opportunity to remind constituents that the government plans on keeping the Murwillumbah Hospital open and operating when the new $534 million Tweed Valley Hospital is complete.
‘We recognise the important role Murwillumbah District Hospital plays in delivering health services to the Tweed Valley communities.
‘The facility and staff at Murwillumbah are highly valued, and they form an integral part of our network of health services,’ Mr George.
He added that, ‘as part of the extensive planning process for Tweed Valley Hospital, NSW Local Health District Management will consider the range of clinical services to be provided at Murwillumbah moving forward’.
