The History of Dialysis Services - From Bankstown to Bowral

In the area from Bankstown to Bowral, the dialysis service origins began modestly in the early 1990�s, then with the increase in population the demand for dialysis services exponentially grew. A brief snapshot of our history is outlined below:

• The current Liverpool Dialysis Services began its journey in April 1994, where it originated under the former South Western Sydney Area Health Services. In 2009, the service is a part of the Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS).
• The first operating name was the Liverpool Dialysis Centre and was housed in the Don Everett Building. At this time, the Renal ward from Lidcombe Hospital was relocated to the Don Everett West building. It was a 26-bed combined Renal and Medical ward. In 2009, the service has expanded to 4 Satellite Units; 3 Nephrology Clinics; 1 CAPD Unit; 1 In-Centre and Isolation Haemodialysis Unit; 1 Home Haemodialysis Unit.

• On opening, in 1994, the Liverpool Dialysis Centre had 6 dialysis stations, with 1 isolation station opening shortly after.� In 2009, the Haemodialysis Unit has 12 stations� � 2 sessions daily over 6 days.

• Also in 1994 there was a CAPD office attached to the Liverpool Dialysis Centre with 1 patient.� In 2009, the Liverpool CAPD Clinic has 186 patients.

• The Liverpool Satellite Unit opened in October 1994 with 6 stations, initially 1 shift on Monday, Wednesday & Friday only. This then gradually increased to 2 shifts, Monday to Saturday. In 2009, the current Liverpool Satellite Unit now has 12 stations, 4 shifts, Monday-Saturday. The back of Satellite Dialysis is the Home Haemodialysis Training Unit, with 5 stations, operating on 1 shift, Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

• Bankstown Hospital opened the Ambulatory Dialysis Centre (ADC) section in 1995 after the closure of Lidcombe Hospital, where its future operation was continued through the Bankstown campus. It initially operated with 8 stations, with 1 single room for acute dialysis. Because of the needed expansion of dialysis service in Bankstown, the dialysis unit has relocated to another section of the hospital (the old Respiratory ward), where it now currently remains.� In 2009, it operates with 13 stations, plus a single room. There are 4 shifts per week -Monday to Saturday.

• In 1998 the Liverpool Renal Clinical Research Centre began its operation with 2 research projects.� In 2009, it is coordinating 18 research projects.

• Campbelltown was the next Unit to open in March 2004, with 6 stations, 1 shift, Monday, Wednesday, & Friday mornings only.� In 2009, the unit has expanded to 10 stations, with 2 single rooms, 4 shifts per week - Monday to Saturday.

• Bowral�s Dialysis Chair began in 2006, with 1 station, catering for self-care dialysis patient only.

• Fairfield recently began its operation in 2008, with 8 stations.

• In 2005 our innovative staff commenced the Interventional Nephrology Service, which has worldwide clinical implications.

• Between 2000 and 2007 there was a growing need to service Renal specialities, like Anaemia; Social Work; Psychology; Transplant; Dietitics; Vascular Access and Patient Education. To meet these needs a range of professional were employed to target the various needs of our renal Patients.� In 2009, there is� 1 Anaemia Coordinator; 1 Transplant & CKD Coordinator; 1 Renal Case Manager; 1 Vascular Access Coordinator; 1 Renal Dietician; 1.5 Social Workers; 1 Renal Psychologist.

From the brief historical sketch of the Dialysis Service, it can be understood that Renal services are evolving, where new innovations and creative solutions to complex problems are assembled. The Renal Team is proud to continue its legacy of care, compassion and innovation.