- The tender for Capricorn Coast Hospital's new eight-chair satellite dialysis unit has been awarded to Paynters Pty Limited
- The $10.4 million unit will offer treatment closer to home for Capricorn Coast patients currently travelling to Rockhampton
- Construction of the new unit is expected to be complete in late 2024
A brand new $10.4 million satellite dialysis unit at Yeppoon's Capricorn Coast Hospital is a step closer to reality, thanks to the awarding of the tender to Paynters Pty Limited.
This new eight-chair unit will provide access to life-sustaining care closer to home and save each of these patients four to five hours of travel time per week.
Currently, Central and Western Queensland residents access kidney specialist care through at the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service's Kidney Health Service, based at Rockhampton Hospital.
Patient care is supported by expert and dedicated renal nurses and includes support of patients at satellite dialysis units.
There are currently 11 Capricorn Coast patients receiving dialysis three times a week in Rockhampton.
Construction is due to commence in the first half of 2024 ahead of a scheduled completion in late 2024, depending on building materials availability.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
"I'm excited to see this project moving forward so we can assist patients access the treatment they need closer to home.
"At the moment patients are travelling around five hours to get treatment three times a week in Rockhampton, this new service will cut that travel time completely.
"New and expanded services in rural and regional areas are a priority for the Miles Government and the new unit at Capricorn Coast Hospital is another example of our commitment to providing Queenslanders with quality care, where and when they need it.
"Around 500,000 adult Queenslanders have indicators of chronic kidney disease, and we have seen the demand for dialysis services across the state continue to grow.
"That is why the Queensland Government has invested more than $66 million to support better access to kidney healthcare services, particularly in regional areas, since 2019.
"Our Government has also committed a further $44.55 million for additional dialysis treatment spaces across regional, rural and remote Queensland."
Quotes Attributable to Assistant Health Minister Brittany Lauga:
"This is a significant step towards the construction of this vital service.
"We know around a dozen patients travel back-and-forth multiple times a week to seek this critical treatment and I am pleased we can provide a more convenient service for them going forward.
"The new eight-chair unit at Yeppoon will be a welcome addition for our community and I look forward to opening the service in the coming months."
Quotes Attributable to CQ Health Chief Executive Ngaire Buchanan:
"Kidney disease is increasing in the community so having access to dialysis closer to home will be a lifesaver for central Queenslanders.
"Patients undergoing dialysis need several hours of treatment three times a week to allow them to function.
"The new unit at Capricorn Coast Hospital will cut travel time dramatically for patients currently travelling to Rockhampton and make their lives a little easier."
