Grey Power says it's time for Whanganui to get dialysis machines.
In response to an article in the Chronicle reporting Horowhenua getting machines while Whanganui was still waiting, president Don Burney said "Wanganui Grey Power members are pleased for diabetes sufferers in the Horowhenua area who are soon to have three machines installed in Levin.
"It is surprising though that a centre about 20 minutes from Palmerston North should be provided with this facility when a greater number of Wanganui based patients living an hour away still have to travel a much longer distance. "
Mr Burney said "there is a definite need for a similar facility at Whanganui Hospital and that need outweighs all the perceived problems - which can be addressed.
"For instance, the very substantial amount the WDHB pays to Mid Central for the treatment of its renal patients could well be applied to offset the cost of establishing a dialysis facility in Wanganui. In addition, the very significant travel costs between the two cities would no longer be a charge on the taxpayers."
Mr Burney said as the number of patients requiring dialysis is likely to increase it is "imperative that the matter is addressed now".
At a meeting of the Whanganui District Health Board on March 17 there was palpable upset and annoyance when the upcoming centralAlliance plan to put three kidney dialysis machines into the Horowhenua region was discussed.
Whanganui chief executive Julie Patterson said the kidney treatment model in Palmerston hospital was flawed and needed to be improved before it could be brought to Whanganui.
Whanganui has no machines.