Joint Study to Look into Treating Kidney Disease in Central Australia
A study into the delivery of treatment for kidney disease among Indigenous people who live in remote communities in Central Australia will be carried out jointly by the Australian Government and the Northern Territory, South Australian and Western Australian governments.
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7 May 2010
A study into the delivery of treatment for kidney disease among Indigenous people who live in remote communities in Central Australia will be carried out jointly by the Australian Government and the Northern Territory, South Australian and Western Australian governments.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced the joint study and said it’s a positive step in the right direction.
“Renal dialysis can be distressing for patients, because many of them live in very remote areas of Central Australia, where it’s hard to access appropriate services,” Mr Snowdon said.
“That can put pressure on renal patients, their families and the broader community.
“Therefore, it is imperative for us as governments to understand the barriers that prevent effective delivery of renal treatment closer to home for those in remote locations.
“This joint renal dialysis study will provide a snapshot of the issues facing Indigenous Australians with kidney disease, their communities and the dialysis services provided for them.
“Currently there is not a consistent approach to the delivery of renal services across States and Territories. The study will help develop an integrated service delivery model looking at demand for various clinical services and social needs of renal patients in remote and very remote communities regardless of borders,” he said.
The study, to be completed by the end of the year, will identify the best solutions to address renal patient needs, including options for the distribution of services; the most appropriate care and service delivery.
“For instance when we look at service delivery we’ll consider things like self-care dialysis; nurse assisted dialysis; or services that are mobile or based in healthcare facilities.
“Although the study will focus on the Central Australia region in the first instance, it will have an eye to the wider Indigenous population and the application of the study’s findings to other remote and regional areas across the country.
This study will further enhance the TriState Agreement between the NT, WA and SA governments, by providing a way forward in the provision of treatment options for renal patients
across the jurisdictions.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank my state and territory colleagues in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia for their cooperation and support on this important piece of work,” Mr Snowdon said.
Media contact: Alice Plate 0400 045 999
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