A new $965,000 nine-chair renal dialysis unit was opened at the Deniliquin Health Service today.

The new nine-chair renal dialysis satellite unit at Deniliquin more than doubles the capacity of an existing temporary four-chair unit.

State MP for Murray Austin Evans said the significant enhancement to the local service means an additional five clients per session can receive vital treatment each week without having to travel.

“This new unit ensures people from the local community and towns across the region have easy access to this world-class health service.”

Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Ludford said the local health service was pleased to be able to deliver the unit, in collaboration with the Deniliquin community, which will improve the lives of so many of our patients and their families

“This facility can accommodate up to nine clients per session week and six local nurses have already received specialist training ahead of its opening.”

Renal dialysis is a treatment to help kidneys continue to function when they have stopped working properly. The Deniliquin service also provides a bi-monthly Renal Specialist and Nurse Practitioner from Royal Melbourne Hospital for a chronic kidney disease clinic and local specialist care.

Early kidney disease has no signs or symptoms and can affect people of all ages. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, weight problems, people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, smokers and those with a family history of kidney problems should ask their doctor for a Kidney Health Check every two years.