PATIENTS FORCED TO TRAVEL FOR DIALYSIS AS GOVERNMENT LEAVES LOCAL RENAL CHAIRS UNUSED

March 31, 2025

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) and Member for Traeger has called for an urgent expansion of the renal dialysis service in Charters Towers, arguing that local patients should not have to endure exhausting travel to Townsville for treatment when the infrastructure already exists in their own community.

Mr Katter said one of his proudest achievements has been working alongside the Charters Towers community and Townsville Hospital and Health Services to establish the local 4-chair dialysis service. He said while the service has been lifesaving for many, there is still more to be done.

“The service currently operates only three days a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with only one shift on those days – despite a clear need for two shifts a day, five days a week,” Mr Katter said.

“We also have Tuesdays and Thursdays where these renal chairs are sitting idle while patients are forced to travel unnecessarily for treatment in Townsville.

“The round trip is a full-day ordeal and is taking a significant toll on their health and quality of life.

Kathryn Henderson is one of the patients who is forced to travel to Townsville as the hospital in Charters Towers doesn’t have a chair available for her.

Bill, who has been by his wife, Kathryn’s side throughout her treatment, voiced his frustrations with the current system.

“Kathryn and I understand that staff shortages are a major challenge, and we appreciate the work Townsville Hospital does for dialysis patients. However, for us, the biggest concerns are distance, time and age.

“It's heartbreaking to watch the toll that constant travel takes on Kathryn, especially knowing that she could receive her treatment right here in Charters Towers. The hours we spend on the road three times a week could instead be spent at home, enjoying our retirement and living a better quality of life”, Mr Henderson said.

Mr Katter said it is unacceptable that the Hendersons, and so many others are being let down by a system that forces them to travel unnecessarily while a dialysis unit is not used to its full potential.

“North West Queenslanders have battled for decades against the chronic shortage of renal services in their communities, and this is yet another example. It is not just about convenience – it is about dignity, quality of life, and fundamental fairness.

“I am committed to ensure all Charters Towers renal patients can receive their treatment right here in Charters Towers.

“The government must stop dragging its feet and commit to delivering more staff and adequate funding to ensure the Charters Towers dialysis service operates at its full potential.”

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