The renal service consultation, arranged by Murrumidgee Local Health District, was the final of a group of meetings held in six locations around the region to develop a new Renal Services Plan.

The meeting was attended by renal patients, their carers, clinicians, voluntary drivers, relatives of prior patients and other interested parties, along with practitioners from the health service. There was also one person from Temora who attended via video link.

The Chief Executive of the Murrumidgee Local Health District, Susan Weisser, said it was important to consult with users of the service to identify local priorities and new ways of providing care.

“We want to gather information which will enable us to make recommendations for delivering a coordinated and integrated service for those living with kidney disease,” she said.

However, the meeting was contentious due to the demand for a “full blown” renal service at the hospital.

Currently local renal patients must make the arduous journey to Canberra three times a week for nurse administered dialysis.

A self-managed unit opened in Young last year, however it is only utilised by one person.

An attendee at the meeting was Young Community Transport manager Kelly Rolfe, who coordinates a group of voluntary drivers who take renal patients to the Canberra Hospital.

Of the patients who have to travel she said, “they spend three days a week travelling and the other days getting over it.”

Ms Rolfe said she would ultimately want to see a full blown dialysis unit in Young, however, didn’t feel positive after the meeting that it would eventuate, as they went through the whole process a few years ago and not much happened.

“There’s a lot of talk, but it doesn’t seem to be happening,” she said.

She said the patients who attended the meeting were also frustrated.

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