AT LAST! City wins nurse for vital role | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Wanganui has finally scored its first dedicated renal nurse following about six months of discussion and lobbying by the Whanganui Kidney Support Group.

Lee-Ora Lusis has been appointed renal resource nurse by the Whanganui Regional Primary Health Organisation, a decision that marks a major step toward boosting kidney support services for the city and district.

Currently renal patients are faced with regular trips to Palmerston North for dialysis treatment and, while Ms Lusis' appointment will not change that in the meantime, it is seen as a significant step toward strengthening the city's bid for a more comprehensive service.

Judith MacDonald, chief executive of the WRPHO, said Ms Lusis would have a roving commission working across the Wanganui district as well as liaising with MidCentral DHB's renal unit.

Mrs MacDonald said a feasibility study on renal services across all the central region DHBs was due for release later next month and she expected the review to give those boards a much clearer idea of what was required and how the service could best be managed.

She said she believed the study would strengthen the case for a satellite haemodialysis unit in Wanganui.

Mrs MacDonald said that, while renal care was currently funded on broad regional lines, establishing a satellite operation would require specific health funding.

"But we're thrilled that we've got this far with the process."

She said Ms Lusis was not unfamiliar with working alongside patients, carers and their whanau, supporting them with health issues associated with kidney disease, diabetes and heart disease.

Until recently Ms Lusis worked as a registered nurse for the Manaaki Hauora Wellness Support Team at WRPHO and before that she was a midwife in Wanganui.

"This role is a key 'linchpin' not only to support patients and their carers, but to connect with the three main health providers involved in supporting patients with renal disease - that is, MidCentral specialist renal unit, Wanganui Hospital and general practices across the district," Mrs MacDonald said.

"The incidence of kidney disease has increased markedly over the past 10 years throughout New Zealand, more so in areas with a higher population of Maori and Pacific peoples.

"Their incidence of all renal disease and particularly diabetic renal disease is much higher than in other populations," she said.

In the central North Island numbers of first treatments, including all renal replacement therapies, have increased on average by 40 per cent since 1998 - an average of almost 100 new patients each year in the region.

"Currently haemodialysis at Wellington Hospital and Palmerston North Hospital, and the Porirua renal satellite unit, are operating above capacity," Mrs MacDonald said.

"Then there are transport issues faced by patients who travel long distances for their treatment, so having dialysis satellite units in areas with a large population of Maori or Pacific Islanders brings services closer to these communities," she said.