Health & Wellbeing
A new Invercargill Dialysis Unit, which opened at Southland Hospital today, will meet a growing demand and provide much-needed care closer to home for Southland people, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds.
Ms Simmonds opened the $440,000 facility in Invercargill today.
"This is a wonderful development for our province, addressing growing demand and making life easier for those living with kidney disease.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make this happen here in our city - allowing Southlanders access to healthcare where and when they need it.
“This new dialysis unit is significant because it allows local people access to much-needed care right here in Invercargill - rather than enduring regular travel to Dunedin Hospital.
“At present some patients must travel to Dunedin three times a week for dialysis, while comprehensive training for home-based dialysis can take up to 12 weeks - again requiring patients to stay in Dunedin.
“I think it’s a gamechanger that these services can now be offered locally. I know that they will make a huge difference in the lives of kidney patients and their families in this province.
“I would also like to acknowledge the many people and organisations who have advocated tirelessly for this service and also the dedicated local clinicians and staff who work alongside patients with great care and compassion.
“And we’re not wasting any time – the official opening today concluded at 9.30am, with the first patient care starting half-a-hour later at 10am.
“It’s also positive to note that the unit is fully staffed, with a doctor who is trained both in General and Renal Medicine and an associate charge nurse manager who was recruited to work at the unit - previously a charge nurse manager from Dunedin managed Invercargill operations.
“We now have a new unit that features five haemodialysis spaces, previously there were two, in modern facilities designed to treat both outpatients and inpatients.
“The unit also includes a dedicated area for peritoneal dialysis training and follow-up care.
“Construction began in November last year and was completed ahead of schedule and $40,000 under budget on 4 February 2026. The work was undertaken by local contractor ABL (Amalgamated Builders LTD).”
Victoria Turner, Nurse Manager, Specialty Medicine, said she was proud of the team behind the project.
Victoria Turner, Nurse Manager, Specialty Medicine, said "how proud I am of Nick and her team for getting this ready, that's the nursing team, and how well they've worked with Jason and the facilities building team to bring this about today on time, under budget.”
