Calls for first dialysis service in Gunnedah

It’s a long day - leaving at 7am and returning at 4pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

The 82-year-old has been on dialysis since June last year, and has made it his mission to try and secure a service for Gunnedah. 

“If we could just get three units in Gunnedah, it would do,” Alphonse said. 

“They are marvellous machines. They do everything.”

Patients who require dialysis do so when they develop end stage kidney failure - usually by the time you lose about 85 to 90 per cent of kidney function. 

When they fail, the treatment keeps the body in balance by removing waste, salt and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body; keeps a safe level of certain chemicals in the blood, such as potassium, sodium and bicarbonate and helps to control blood pressure.

Alphonse started treatment after the blood pressure tablets he was on caused his kidneys to begin failing. Coupled with his wife Carol’s recent death, his doctor suggested he start treatment.

“Ever since I’ve been on dialysis, my health has been better. I’ve hardly needed any tablets. I just feel good.”

But the travel does take its toll. Alphonse takes community transport to Tamworth for the treatment at the hospital and it’s nearly a full day.

“If we had a service in Gunnedah, it would save a lot of time,” Alphonse said.

“It’s necessary for the people of Gunnedah.”

The 82-year-old said he has written to Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and independent candidate Peter Draper to raise the issue. 

He has also been in contact with New England MP Barnaby Joyce who will pass the concerns onto the federal health minister. 

Alphonse is also pushing the issue with council, and has been in contact with Cr Colleen Fuller to drive an agenda. 

“What I’ve got to do is get the full support of council.”

Alphonse said there is already dialysis machines in Moree, Inverell, Glen Innes, Armidale and Tamworth.