The Kidney Support Group Cobram and District's Sue Duscio.
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Owen Sinclair
Advocates have taken the next step towards demonstrating the need for dialysis in Cobram, after collecting a series of biographies from patients.
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The Kidney Support Group Cobram and District has brought together the personal stories of almost a dozen patients from the Cobram - Barooga district, most of whom travel to Shepparton or Yarrawonga to receive haemodialysis.
“Everyone wanted to be interviewed. Everyone was really enthusiastic. They all want dialysis in Cobram,” the group’s Sue Duscio told The Courier.
“The lack of haemodialysis chairs and facilities in the region is a pressing issue. Having access to this service in Cobram would not only improve the quality of life for patients but would also ensure that others in the area do not face delays and complications.
“Dialysis is not just a treatment. It’s a lifeline, and every patient needs access to it in a timely and convenient manner, close to home,” Mrs Duscio said.
Dianne Raco, who founded the group in 2019, added that she was pleased with the community’s response to the biography campaign.
“Not only has it allowed us, as a support group, to clarify with real numbers the great need for dialysis in the region, but it has given those on dialysis and their families and friends a chance to feel seen and heard by their community,” she said.
“Dialysis, like most chronic diseases, can be a lonely journey and raising awareness helps people empathise with those in need.
“We are very confident that Cobram will get a dialysis unit - but it will take perseverance and determination.
“It would be a positive step for those who control the purse strings in government to come up to Cobram, meet some of those involved in dialysis and realise we have a fantastic hospital with amazing staff where a newly built unit will fit in nicely.
“(Which would) allow patients and their families to have a much better quality of life along with less strain on roads, bank accounts and physical health.”
NCN Health CEO Mark Ashcroft said the organisation broadly supports the concept of dialysis at the Cobram Hospital.
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Some patients in the collection have only recently begun their dialysis treatment.
Most, in their late 70s, have travelled to Shepparton or Yarrawonga for many years and are weary of the burden of travel.
Mrs Duscio and Ms Raco interviewed residents who require dialysis and compiled their stories into a collection which they then presented to NCN Health.
In a statement, NCN Health CEO Mark Ashcroft said he remains in regular contact with the Kidney Support Group Cobram and District.
“Broadly, NCN Health supports the concept of a dialysis service to our region, however, no funding has been committed to a dialysis unit at this stage,” Mr Ashcroft said.
“We continually engage with the community to better understand their healthcare needs, and we work closely with the Department of Health to plan the health services that we offer.
“Planning for new health services is complex and involves several factors including population, community needs, clinical capability and capacity, proximity to other services, and overall demand, and NCN Health continues to work with the Department of Health to ensure the communities needs are met.
“Our general practices in Cobram and Nathalia are continuing to provide vital support for renal patients, including acting as a critical early link to specialist care if required.”
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