LOCAL dialysis patient Pat Kruger is using the official opening of Katherine’s new renal unit to spread a message to other indigenous members of the community: do not be afraid of the machines.
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Ms Kruger was receiving treatment at the $2.9 million facility - which is being operated through a partnership between the Northern Territory government and Fresenius Medical Care - when the ribbon was cut on December 15.
After receiving dialysis for four hours per day, three days per week, Ms Kruger said she was in a prime position to promote the service within indigenous communities in the region.
“They've got really good staff here ... they’re so gentle and kind with us and that’s what we need here,” she said.
“People think that because we’re on the machines we’re a number.
“But when you've got people caring for you like this mob, they make you feel really good about yourself.
“The biggest thing is for people to not be afraid of the machines; not to be afraid, because they’re here to help us. “
The 16-bed facility has doubled Katherine’s renal capacity and Member for Katherine Willem Westra van Holthe praised it as win for the town.
“It’s a fantastic facility here and it’s going to provide renal services for people in Katherine, but also from outlying areas, and also the overflow from the renal unit in Darwin,” he said.
Patients moved from the former Katherine Hospital renal unit to the facility in September.
