Extensions to the renal unit will begin within weeks to create more comfortable  facilities for patients and staff.

Hervey Bay Hospital Operations Executive Andy Froggatt said that once the upgrade was complete it would alleviate some of the stress associated with ongoing dialysis treatment.

“I think for our patients having dialysis is a difficult and stressful process, so creating an environment that makes it more friendly and easy for them is really significant,” Mr Froggatt said.

“For many people their life has to revolve around regular requirement for dialysis…they have to do this on certain days and times and don’t have the flexibility to change their schedules.”

The $900,000 revamp, funded by Queensland Health, will allow the 10 chair unit to support 23 patients.

Two extensions to the unit will be built and the current facility will also undergo a makeover.

“We’ll be redesigning it inside so some walls will be knocked out and it will create more space, especially with the extensions,” Mr Froggatt said.

“There will be a much nicer waiting room so we can treat people in the appropriate place but also create space for our staff to be able to do their work as well.”

Renal Nurse Unit Manager Lynne Abell said patients would enjoy a modern, spacious, comfortable unit similar to what patients at Maryborough Hospital enjoy in their new renal unit.

“We will also be able to provide education to community groups, other staff and family members involved in caring for people with renal failure,” Ms Abell said.

Mr Froggatt said there were currently 70 patients across the Fraser Coast who receive treatment but that was constantly increasing.

“Unfortunately, particularly with an ageing population, it’s growing and that presents a need to keep up with the demand.”

The revamped unit is expected to be completed by the end of June and will have improved access to home therapy renal treatment and an additional isolation room.

During construction patients will receive treatment either in a small temporary unit at the hospital or at the Maryborough Hospital.

“Patients will be transported to and from the Maryborough unit at no cost to them,” Ms Abell said.

Pier to Pub ocean swim race director Darren Everard was delighted to have Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott competing in the annual ocean swim event on Saturday. (Photo courtesy Dave Ainslie).

Diving into the deep end to help Hervey Bay through tough economic times was exactly what Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott tried to achieve during his weekend visit.

Mr Abbott not only competed in the annual Pier to Pub ocean swim on Saturday, he also had dinner with a dozen business leaders to discuss the region’s economic woes.

High unemployment, lack of infrastructure, neglected roads, stifled business opportunities and government red and green tape were among issues raised at the $300 a head business dinner.

“I had a very interesting discussion with some of city’s leading businessmen and I think there were two major issues of concern,” Mr Abbott said.

“Firstly we need to get our economic fundamentals right and secondly, the need to try to ensure that as far as humanly possible we invest intelligently in economic infrastructure in this area.”

He said the Bruce Highway and Labor’s carbon tax were also pressing concerns.

“A lot of people are starting to get very anxious about red tape, of course a Coalition Government will scrap the carbon tax, but we’ve already pledged to cut business red tape by $1 billion a year.

“We are committed to investing in the most economically rational infrastructure and I think things like the Bruce Highway are more important than putting fibre optics into every single household.

“That’s the kind of changes you can expect from a Coalition Government.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Paul Neville said he invited the Opposition Leader to Hervey Bay because he wanted Mr Abbott to get a first hand feel for the region’s needs.

“I really wanted to send him home aware of the vulnerability of the Wide-Bay region and to see first hand the special challenges we face,” Mr Neville said.

“When we come into government I want special treatment for Hervey Bay and the Wide Bay because we need help.

“Our unemployment rate continues to rise … but what’s even worse is it’s twice what it was in March last year and we can’t allow that trend to continue.”

Pub to Pier race director Darren Everard said Mr Abbott’s visit was brilliant for the profile of the event, the Hervey Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and the wider community.

“It was fantastic exposure for Hervey Bay, for our event and it really gave the community a much-needed boost,” Mr Everard said.

The main swim event was won by two Olympic qualified swimmers who have promised to defend their crowns next year.

“To have swimmers of this calibre committed is great for the sport and our region.”

Latest Edition | Thursday, May 17th 2012

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