The State Government has delivered a new world class renal dialysis service in Melbourne’s south-east, giving patients with kidney disease the lifesaving care they need, closer to home.

Mary-Anne Thomas (pictured), Minister for Health Infrastructure, announced the opening of the $4 million purpose-built dialysis service at Monash Health’s Kingston Centre, featuring 12 new treatment spaces to meet growing local demand for dialysis services.

Funded as part of the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund, the service has been designed to ensure patient comfort and reduce costly and time consuming travel for treatment – while also ensuring a more efficient working environment for staff.

Providing increased opportunities for surgical transplants and home-based dialysis, it replaces temporary facilities at Monash Health’s Moorabbin and Cranbourne campuses and is operational three days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

MHIF has previously funded $1.4 million for Monash Health’s Medical Centre to upgrade and expand the Maternity Clinic, ensuring the hardworking team can provide better access to prenatal care services for expectant mums in Melbourne’s south east.

MHIF provides metropolitan health services with funding to undertake construction, remodelling and refurbishment projects, as well as equipment, information and communication technology and other vital upgrade works.

Funding also enables health services and agencies to adopt new technologies and deliver contemporary models of care, improving the quality and safety of care for patients and staff, while helping Victorians return home sooner.

The State Government has funded a total of 72 projects via MHIF, representing a massive $265 million investment in vital health infrastructure improvements.

“The new dialysis service at the Kingston Centre is delivering world-class care for local patients on their doorstep – reducing travel time and ensuring they are closer to home and the support of their loved ones,” Ms Thomas said.

“MHIF is allowing our health services to make important infrastructure improvements, expandingcapacity, improving patient care, and enhancing working environments for staff.”

Clarinda MLA Meng Heang Tak said: “The new renal dialysis facility at Monash Health will help meet growing demand for this critical health service in the south-east, with the bonus of ensuring patients can receive the highest standard of care closer to home.”