A growing number of kidney failure patients are taking advantage of life-changing services by undertaking dialysis treatment from the comfort of their own homes.
Mackay Base Hospital Renal Nurse Unit Manager Joanne Ashford said 41% of renal patients now received their treatment from home.
“Patients rely on dialysis to survive and due to the specific demands of the treatment their lives tend to revolve around their care,” Mrs Ashford said.
“To be able to care for your condition in the privacy and comfort of your own home is so much better than coming in to Mackay Base Hospital for dialysis sessions three times a week.
“It really is a life-changing service giving patients the freedom to fit their treatment around their life and not the other way around.”
The percentage of kidney failure patients receiving care at home has steadily increased since the introduction of the Renal Home Therapies Unit in 2013.
“The Renal Home Therapies Unit educates and supports all suitable dialysis patients and or their carers/families to dialyse safely and independently in the comfort of their own home,” she said.
“The service is located off hospital campus in our Community Health Centre to promote independence in a more community based setting.”
Demand for dialysis continues to steadily rise and having patients receive care at home, allows hospital staff to provide improved person-centred care.
“Not every person with kidney failure will be able to dialyse at home, however those that can and who want to do so are supported to learn.
“People who successfully dialyse at home will only come in for a nephrology appointment every one to two months.”
There are two types of home dialysis: peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis.
More Information
Danielle Jesser, Media and Communications Manager
mhhs-comms@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 0417 756 221
