Big Red Kidney Bus visits Torquay

The Big Red Kidney Bus has rolled into Torquay, providing mobile dialysis on wheels.

The bus allows those receiving the lifesaving treatment to take a break and enjoy a holiday, while still being able to receive their dialysis.

Dialysis replaces the natural kidney function by cleaning the blood and getting rid of the toxins, the medical intervention requires treatment three days a week for five hours.

Kidney Health Australia provides the free service with the treatment taking a physical and mental toll on those receiving it, as well as restricting their movements.

Kidney Health Australia chief executive Chris Forbes said the organisation was 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.”

The Corangamite electorate has the 81st highest percentage of community diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in Australia, with more than 16,800 people likely to have the condition undiagnosed.

Kidney disease has a symptomless nature and people can lose 90 per cent of their kidney function before showing signs.

Because of this, by the time somebody is diagnosed, they are normally at the kidney failure stage where there is little that can be done to slow the progression.

“We hope that having the bright red bus in Torquay will bring much needed awareness to locals about kidney health and the fact that 1.8 million adults Australians who have kidney disease remain undiagnosed,” Mr Forbes said.

Locals are encouraged to head down to the bus and see how the service works while learning more about kidney health.

Monash Health dialysis nurses are on board the vehicle to provide the service at the same high standards patients would see in hospital.

This is the bus’s fourth time visiting the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, with its most recent visit earlier this year.

Locals are also able to use the mobile service, reducing the time they would normally need to travel for treatment at their regular facility.

The Big Red Kidney Bus is stationed at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park now and will remain there until August 10.

The dialysis sessions on the bus are free for eligible patients and those looking into booking into the service are encouraged to phone Kidney Health Australia on 1800 454 353 or head to kidney.org.au/bus for more information.