[CDU eNews] - FIRST MOBILE RENAL DIALYSIS UNIT OPENS

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

First mobile renal dialysis unit opens

Charles Darwin University researchers have played a leading role in the
establishment of Australia's first mobile renal dialysis unit, which was
officially opened at Galiwinku on Elcho Island today.

Dr Kerin Coulehan, research fellow in the School of Australian Indigenous
Knowledge Systems, said the $150,000 facility has been a research focus of
'Sharing the True Stories' project, involving   collaboration between
Aboriginal patients, health staff and interpreters.

"This project aims to improve communication and education among health
staff and Aboriginal dialysis patients and their families and communities
across Renal Services NT-wide," she said.

The Galiwinku facility has been operating since mid January. It was opened
today by the MP for Nhulunbuy, Mr Syd Stirling, on behalf of Health
Minister Dr Peter Toyne.

Mr Stirling said local residents now have the option of self-care dialysis
at Galiwinku, whereas before they had to live in Darwin for treatment.

"The facility is a prototype based on the same design as the Training Unit
at the Nightcliff Renal Unit. It is designed to be able to be moved across
the Top End to wherever the need is greatest and patients will be trained
to treat themselves," he said.

Dr Coulehan said the facility and clients using it, provided a focus point
to extend the Sharing True Stories research program, which examines
miscommunication between health personnel and Indigenous clients.

The research program is funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for
Aboriginal Health, and industry grants, in association with Charles Darwin
University, the Department of Health (NT Renal Services) and Department of
Community Development (Aboriginal Interpreter Services) and client and
community groups.

Further information about this research program and resources may be found
at www.sharingtruestories.com


Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K