SUPPORT FOR HOME DIALYSIS

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA today announced concessions for excess water usage for people wishing to undertake kidney dialysis at home. This new concession supplements an existing concession for electricity use by these patients.

"For some patients home dialysis is a viable alternative to hospital or community based dialysis, which can provide improved health outcomes, a higher quality of life and a more flexible treatment regime," Ms Gallagher said.

"Home dialysis patients wishing to dialyse at home have previously had to personally incur the additional costs of water related to this life saving treatment.

"This could be a barrier to people who would otherwise choose to have dialysis at home, and so we've agreed with representatives from Kidney Health Australia to remove these barriers.

On average home dialysis costs the patient $1,200 to $1,500 a year in excess water and electricity charges.

"Home haemodialysis for suitable patients is a mode of service delivery that is gaining in popularity and acceptance by patients and clinicians.

"It benefits patients and their family, while allowing the health system to free up acute and sub-acute dialysis places for those most in need.

The inclusion of electricity and excess water usage concessions supports this model of care and removes the issue of ability to pay when making clinical decisions about dialysis treatment," the Health Minister said.

The ACT Kidney Health Australia Consumer Committee has been a keen advocate of these changes and the government acknowledges their efforts to improve services for those living with kidney disease.

Media Contact:

Warren Tegg 6205 0384 0435 961 012 warren.tegg@act.gov.au