Bundaberg Hospital Renal Unit staff past and present celebrate the unit’s 30th anniversary.
For 30 years, the Bundaberg Renal Unit has been a lifeline for dialysis patients across the region, providing essential care close to home and reducing the need for long-distance travel.
Recently, staff past and present, patients and hospital representatives gathered to celebrate the unit's remarkable journey and acknowledge the dedication of those who have helped shape its success, including the longstanding support of the Renal Support Group.
A collection of photographs and a historical timeline brought the unit’s rich history to life, charting three decades of growth, innovation and improved patient care through significant advancements in technology and clinical practice.
Bundaberg Renal Unit Nurse Unit Manager Carleen Ellis said the milestone was not only a celebration of the unit’s history, but also a chance to recognise the people, progress and partnerships that have shaped renal care over the past 30 years.
“For staff, it was about celebrating the dedication of those who have helped build the unit over time, and acknowledge the lasting relationships formed with patients and colleagues,” she said.
“It also was about recognising the trust patients place in us every day and the partnership we’ve shared in delivering three decades of care.”
Renal patient Doug Emmerton is among the many people whose lives have been touched by the service, expressing gratitude for being able to access vital care locally over the past 15 years.
“Not having to travel for hours for treatment means a great deal to me. Instead, it’s just a 20-minute trip to the hospital for my regular dialysis,” he said.
“I have found the staff very obliging and always there to help me.
“Everything about their care stands out and after all this time, they’re just like a second family to me.
“I congratulate them on what they’ve achieved and encourage them to keep up the good work.”
Since opening in 1996 with just four haemodialysis chairs, the Bundaberg Renal Unit has grown into a wide-ranging service with 18 haemodialysis chairs and a dedicated Home Therapies Department, outpatients service for chronic kidney disease patients and an outpatient transplant service.
“The Home Therapies Department has technology that now allows remote monitoring for peritoneal dialysis patients,” Carleen said.
“Our chronic kidney disease service has also grown, providing earlier education, supportive care and management to help slow disease progression.”
The advancement of haemodialysis technology was on full display during the celebration as the unit’s original dialysis machines from 1996 stood beside the six generations of equipment that followed. This offered a striking visual reminder of how far renal care has come.
Innovations such as haemodiafiltration - an advanced dialysis, improved safety systems and tools like blood volume monitoring have significantly enhanced renal care, helping staff provide safer, more effective and individualised treatment for patients.
Carleen explained the improved technology and clinical practices have reduced complications and supported better long-term health outcomes.
“Patients now have greater treatment options, improved quality of life and increased opportunities to maintain work, family commitments and independence while managing kidney disease,” she said.
“While much has changed since 1996, our commitment to providing exceptional renal care to the Bundaberg community remains as strong today as it was when the unit first opened.”