This bright red bus is saving lives in Torquay

A LIFE-SAVING dialysis service on wheels has rolled into town.

The Big Red Kidney Bus, a free mobile dialysis unit run by Kidney Health Australia, will be housed at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park until August 23, giving people living with kidney disease the chance to enjoy a much-needed break, without missing vital treatment.

Dialysis, a highly invasive treatment that can take a significant toll on both the physical and mental health of a person, replaces natural kidney function by cleaning the blood and getting rid of toxins.

On average, people receiving dialysis spend 60 hours a month –five-hour sessions, three days a week – strapped to a machine, treatment that can restrict time with family, and friends, as well as the ability to travel and explore new places.

Kidney Health Australia chief executive Chris Forbes said the not-for-profit organisation was delighted to bring the Big Red Kidney Bus to Torquay. It marks the fourth time the bus visited the region.

 

“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,” he said.

About three-in-four Australians are at risk of chronic kidney disease, including those with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

In the Corangamite electorate alone, more than 1,300 residents have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, and almost 17,000 people are estimated to have the condition undiagnosed.

Considered a silent killer, 90 per cent of kidney function can be lost before symptoms appear, making late diagnosis, when little can be done to slow the progression of the disease, common.

“We hope that having the bright red bus in Torquay will bring much needed awareness to locals about kidney health and the fact that 2.5 million adult Australians who have kidney disease remain undiagnosed,” Mr Forbes said.

Dialysis sessions on the bus are free to eligible patients.

People living with kidney disease who are interested in booking the service are encouraged to contact Kidney Health Australia on 1800 454 353 or head to kidney.org.au/bus for more information.