OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
OAKESHOTT SAYS RENAL MOVE TO HOSPITAL IS A CLINICAL PRIORITY
Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott, today said it is now a matter of urgency that the renal dialysis unit is moved to the hospital from its current location at Morton Street.
"For clinical reasons, this move is urgent, and needs to happen this year, Mr Oakeshott said.
"I have spoken with Dr Vattekad and long-time renal advocate Anne Meister, as well as several patients in the past week. The Masterplan concept of moving renal dialysis to the hospital site must be bought forward as an urgent priority, Mr Oakeshott said.
"When both the Blood Bank moves off-site to its new home in the CBD in April, and when the Oncology Unit moves to the $20 Million Integrated Cancer Centre and fixed Breast Screen Unit in May, there is room available that needs to be used for renal dialysis on-site at the hospital. The clinical arguments are just too strong not to have this happen, said Mr Oakeshott.
"At the same time, I am seeking a commitment from the Government and the Area Health Service on the question of a new Clinical Nurse Consultant for the Port Macquarie Renal Dialysis Service, as well as seeking an answer on when the machines at the centre will be upgraded, Mr Oakeshott said.
"Foremost, however, the move to the hospital must happen as a matter of urgency. The clinical arguments demand it, and the dignity of the patients demands it as well, Mr Oakeshott said today.
18 March 2007