Patients with kidney disease now have greater access to inpatient dialysis with the opening of a dedicated unit within Ipswich Hospital. 

The new Acute Haemodialysis Unit (AHU) has been given a purpose-built home through the Queensland Government’s $22 million Ipswich Hospital Expansion Minor Works project.

Ipswich Hospital Senior Staff Specialist of Nephrology, Associate Professor Sree Krishna Venuthurupalli, said the expansion of the service had brought comfort to patients who previously had to travel elsewhere for their treatment.

“Patients can now receive the care they require at Ipswich Hospital, without needing to be transferred to a metropolitan hospital to continue their kidney health treatment,” A/Professor Venuthurupalli said.

“The unit is equipped with cardiac monitoring to provide a higher level of care if required, lowering the number of transfers to the Intensive Care Unit.  

“With the opening of the AHU, I can confidently say that, at Ipswich Hospital, we offer a complete kidney service, including access to care from highly experienced nursing and medical staff, providing gold-class patient care.”

The six-bed unit has expanded the capacity of the acute service to 72 sessions of haemodialysis each week.

The West Moreton Kidney Health Service supports about 1000 people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

About 24,000 West Moreton adults are estimated to have at least one biomedical sign of CKD, such as reduced kidney function.

You may not know you have early-stage kidney disease as there are usually no obvious signs. Ask your GP for a kidney health test as part of your regular check-ups.

Kidney statistics:

• 1 in 3 Queensland adults are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
• 90 per cent of kidney function can be lost before kidney disease symptoms are felt. Recognising the risk factors that may affect you and your potential for developing kidney disease is the first step to maintaining kidney health.
• Kidney disease is treatable if caught early.
• This 2-minute online test can determine your risk of kidney disease: Kidney Health Australia | Risk Test

Kidneys are vital to health. They:

• Balance the body’s fluids by making about one to two litres of urine every day.
• Remove waste products from the body.
• Remove drugs from the body.
• Create hormones that help produce red blood cells, promote bone health and regulate blood pressure.