A lifesaving health service has set up shop on the Surf Coast for the weeks ahead.
Kidney Health Australia’s Big Red Kidney Bus has been stationed at Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, providing free dialysis services.
The organisation said dialysis routines restrict people from travelling and enjoying down-time with their families, calling it a highly invasive medical intervention that takes place 3 days a week, 5 hours a session.
By bringing the bus to Torquay, patients can maintain their disalysis routine while still enjoying a getaway with loved ones.
CEO of Kidney Health Australia Chris Forbes said the Corangamite electorate has the 81st highest percentage of community diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in Australia.
“We are delighted to bring the Big Red Kidney Bus to Torquay. Our bus is much loved by our kidney community as it gives them the freedom to move beyond their treating clinic and visit other parts of Australia – a freedom so many of us take for granted,” he said.
“We hope that having the bright red bus in Torquay will bring much needed awareness to locals about kidney health and the fact that 2.5 million adult Australians who have kidney disease remain undiagnosed.”
12% of deaths in Australia are kidney related, with 1 in 7 Aussies showing signs of kidney disease.
The bus will operate in town from Monday July 28 to Saturday August 23, providing free treatment for eligible patients.
People living with kidney disease who are interested in booking onto the service are encouraged to contact Kidney Health Australia on 1800 454 353 or visit kidney.org.au/bus for more information.
