June 28, 2023
Dialysis network over-stretched
Many of the country’s 15 kidney dialysis treatment units are operating beyond capacity, placing a huge burden on over-stretched staff.
Kidney Health New Zealand acting general manager Traci Stanbury says the first-ever survey of kidney dialysis regions found all 15 units affected by capacity constraints, with half struggling from chronic under-staffing, too few dialysis treatment chairs, and a lack of physical infrastructure.
She says the findings paint a picture of a health service at breaking point.
Unless action is taken, there is a high risk of serious clinical incidents and loss of life, which will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged who are Maori.
“Maori and Pasifika people make up nearly 60 percent of people who are on dialysis so they’re well over-represented, and these are the people who are going to be impacted the most,” Ms Stanbury says.
A national plan is needed to address both preventions of dialysis and resourcing of treatment.