The $5.8 million expansion of the High Dependency Haemodialysis Unit (HDDU) at the Princess Alexandra Hospital is now complete with Stage 2 of the expansion increasing inpatient capacity by three additional treatment spaces.
The Stage 1 renovation of the adjacent space was completed in December 2023 allowing the existing dialysis services to move into the purpose-built refit so Stage 2 could be undertaken.
The Stage 2 expansion went live on 30 May increasing access to high dependency kidney dialysis services for inpatients with three additional treatment spaces in the refurbished former HDDU space.
Nurse Unit Manager of the HDDU, Kylee McMahon said the increase in capacity to a total of 11 beds and improved design is already having a positive impact on patients requiring haemodialysis or plasma exchange within PA Hospital’s busy inpatient setting.
“The additional beds are the biggest bonus so we can support the growing Nephrology department and the Queensland Kidney Transplant Unit here at PAH.
“It’s lighter and brighter, and with the addition of glass panels it provides more infection control options and privacy while simultaneously being more open so patients can see the nurses for the support they need,” Kylee said.
For the first patient treated in the new space, Eve Martin from West Tweed, her visit to PAH was all kinds of celebration as she geared up for a life-changing event.
“I’m having a transplant today! It’s like winning lotto – it’s fabulous!” she said.
“I got the call at 12:30 last night and here I am, the first patient to be welcomed into this new space for my final dialysis before the transplant – it’s absolutely wonderful.”
Ms Martin attended a number of seminars at PAH and met the team as part of her progress to a transplant after being on dialysis three times-a-week, for over four years.
“They are just the loveliest people! I feel like I’m in the best of hands. This unit has an international reputation so things couldn’t be better - I’m truly delighted.”
Princess Alexandra Hospital has been nationally and internationally recognised for its expertise in liver and kidney transplants as well as its tertiary management of patients with chronic kidney disease.
The project is funded through the Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery Program as part of the Queensland Health Hospitals and Health Plan.