Media release – Kristie Johnston MP, Independent Member for Clark, 22 May 2024
ST JOHN’S PARK DIALYSIS PATIENTS DESERVE BETTER
Independent Member for Clark, Kristie Johnston, has urged Health Minister, Guy Barnett, to urgently meet with members of Tasmania’s Kidney Advisory Group to address concerns that the renal unit at St John’s Park in New Town is in a state of disrepair and simply not fit for purpose.
With dialysis patients having to attend the facility on average four times a week for treatment lasting four to five hours, Ms Johnston said that a thorough investigation and overhaul of the building and services at St John’s Park is well overdue.
“Sadly, there is no cure for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and, apart from a kidney transplant, the only life-saving treatment is dialysis, which means attending a renal unit several times a week for the rest of your life.”
“I’ve met with the members of the Kidney Advisory Group who tell me the St John’s Park facility is sub-standard and a depressing place to spend 16 hours of your life each week. The building is cold, patients are forced to bring their own blankets, privacy is virtually non-existent, and more recently black mould and water leaks forced a reduction in services while repairs were undertaken.”
“With CKD most prevalent in Tasmania of all the states in Australia, I call on Minister Barnett meet and work with the Kidney Advisory Group, not only for those currently living with kidney disease, but those who will need this life-saving treatment in the future,” Ms Johnston said.
