Four of Forbes’ six dialysis chairs and machines are being sent to Cowra for six months to allow their new satellite dialysis unit to open.
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The equipment, which is currently not in use in Forbes, will be loaned to Cowra as they await the arrival of new renal equipment early next year.
Gail O’Brien, Western NSW Local Health District Renal Nurse Manager, Renal Outreach, said the temporary relocation of the equipment will allow the Cowra Satellite Dialysis Unit to open when construction is complete towards the end of the month, with the first patients to receive dialysis in early August.
“We have been anticipating the completion of construction of the Cowra Satellite Dialysis Unit since funding was announced in December 2014, and it is so exciting that this is almost complete,” Ms O’Brien said.
“However our contract with the supplier for dialysis equipment has expired and due to government procurement guidelines for the purchasing of this type of very specialised equipment, the new equipment will not be commissioned until around February next year.
“To avoid delaying the opening of Cowra until the new equipment is provided we need to borrow and lease equipment temporarily from other sources.”
Four dialysis chairs and machines will be borrowed from Forbes for a period of approximately six months.
They are also leasing equipment from another source to fill Cowra’s need.
Two chairs will remain in Forbes to provide dialysis treatment for the patients currently having treatment locally.
Ms O’Brien said the four chairs will be returned to Forbes, and Forbes Hospital is also included in the planning for new equipment.
“The Forbes community can be assured that the Health District is committed to expand renal services in Forbes,” she said.
Ms O’Brien said the equipment loan was “a great example of the Health District operating as one health service across all facilities, with the sharing of resources to best suit the current needs of all of our communities.”
“The dialysis equipment at Forbes Hospital is considered the most appropriate at this stage as there is equipment available there which is not currently being used to full capacity due to the redevelopment of the Forbes Renal Unit,” Ms O’Brien said.
“Our other renal units are running at capacity and cannot spare equipment, so it makes sense to borrow from Forbes.”
