Renal dialysis waiting times more than double in Geraldton in the past year

Waiting times for renal dialysis more than doubled in Geraldton over the past year, following a worrying trend seen across regional WA. The issue of dialysis waiting times in regional towns was raised in State Parliament by shadow regional health minister Martin Aldridge on September 20. Records from the WA Country Health Service showed waiting times for the procedure increased from an average of 111 days to 245 over the past 12 months in Geraldton, an increase of more than four months. The number of people waiting for dialysis in Geraldton has also risen, from one person in July 2020 to five a year later and 13 in July 2022. Waiting times have increased in most regional towns in WA over the past two years. In Broome waiting times increased from 164 to 317 days in two years and in Carnarvon times went from 41 days to 398 in the same period. Waiting times in Busselton with WACHS have been even more drastic. In 2019-20 waiting time sat at seven days, increasing to 660 the next year and further increasing to 709 days in 2021-22. WACHS Mid West regional director Rachele Ferrari said enhanced regional renal teams and better diagnosis had led to an increase in the number of people identified as needing dialysis resulting in the jump in waiting times. “I want to assure Mid West communities that WACHS is actively working to respond to their needs.,” Ms Ferrari said. “Strategies — both short and long term — are being implemented to deliver dialysis treatment close to home and reduce wait times.” Mr Aldridge slammed the State Government for not doing enough about regional health, saying the increased dialysis waiting times and delays to Geraldton Health Campus were prime examples. “Despite having an eye-watering $5.7 billion budget surplus, it is clear WA Labor doesn’t care about regional health.,” he said. “This is yet another example of WA Labor choosing not to invest in Mid West healthcare.” Renal dialysis is an important procedure for those with kidney failure and patients usually need dialysis for the rest of their life, or until they can receive a kidney transplant. Mr Aldridge warned that patients may have to move to Perth for treatment. Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson was contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.