Dollars roll in for dialysis centre at Rotorua

Efforts to set up a dialysis centre in Rotorua are gaining traction with fundraisers overwhelmed with pledges of support for their campaign.

Thousands of dollars have already rolled in, with one group promising to hand over a six-figure sum at the campaign's official launch next month.

Te Whakapono Health Trust was formed last year to establish a centre so people with kidney problems who are unsuitable for home dialysis can have the life-saving treatment in Rotorua rather than having to travel up to three times a week to Waikato Hospital .

Health officials have told supporters they need to raise $608,000 for the refurbishment of a building, which will be shifted from the Rotorua lakefront, to a site near Rotorua Hospital on Pukeroa Hill later this year.

The money raised will enable health officials to refit the building with eight beds initially, with room to cater for up to 12 kidney patients as the demand for services increases.

Once established, the centre's operating costs, estimated to be about $200,000 a year, would be paid for by the Lakes District Health Board.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)