Major milestone in Central Qld town’s health fight
A key health service is a step closer for a regional centre, potentially ending a years-long fight from residents.
A builder had been appointed to deliver a five-chair renal dialysis unit at Emerald Hospital potentially ending a years-long fight to have the service offered on the Central Queensland town.
In a statement issued by the state government today, it said the unit, originally slated as a three-chair offering was a key election commitment.
But it had now expanded the unit to include five chairs.
The appointment of a builder meant treatment will be available for Emerald’s 15,000 residents by the end of next year, the government said.
“We made an election promise for three renal dialysis chairs for Emerald and now we’re going further, delivering five chairs and getting them operational sooner,” Health Minister Tim Nicholls said in a statement.
The town has been calling for a local dialysis unit for years.
Currently, those requiring treatment have to make a six-hour round trip to Rockhampton and back, several times a week.
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the expanded five-chair service was a “significant win for Emerald and the Central Highlands”.
“These dialysis chairs are something I have been championing for because I know just how badly our community needs this service,” Dillon said.
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“People who require dialysis need treatment regularly, often three times per week, are travelling long distances to Rockhampton, placing an enormous burden on patients and their families.”
Earlier this year, residents launched an online petition calling for the service.
All five chairs are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2027, with operational commissioning to commence immediately after.
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