News

McCurdy continues to call for dialysis unit at Cobram hospital

Thursday 21 March 2019

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy continues to lobby the Labor Government for a dialysis unit at the Cobram hospital.

Mr McCurdy has this week written to the Health Minister, again calling for the necessary funding to be provided for a Cobram dialysis facility.

“I have written to the Health Minister as the need for a dialysis unit at Cobram is becoming increasing important,” Mr McCurdy said.

“There are 45 patients from the Cobram region who already travel to Shepparton for dialysis. A further 150 are on the watch list and may require renal dialysis within the next two years.

“On top of this there are approximately 26 peritoneal dialysis patients who could covert to haemodialysis.”

Mr McCurdy said there remained a shortage of dialysis chairs in the region and the travel times to Echuca, Kyabram and other towns were quite concerning for Cobram residents.

“I have sought a meeting with the Health Minister, myself and local dialysis advocates so we can get a fair hearing on the dialysis needs of our community,” he said.

“Dialysis needs in the Cobram region are growing and chairs in nearby townships are full.”

Mr McCurdy said he continued to receive requests from Cobram residents regarding the lack of local renal dialysis facilities.

“There are residents who have tried unsuccessfully to access dialysis placements in Shepparton, Echuca, Yarrawonga and Wangaratta,” he said.

“Even if a place does become available, there are long travel times to and from these towns, three times a week, for those requiring dialysis treatment.

“I reiterate that Cobram is a town that is large enough to be able to justify this service, so I ask that the minister consider providing dialysis at Cobram District Health for Cobram and the surrounding region.”