COUNTRY DIALYSIS SERVICES

In reply to Mr VENNING (Schubert) (26 June 2013).

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs): In 2010 and 2011, an additional 10 haemodialysis chairs were added to the Country Health SA Local Health Network renal dialysis services, increasing the number of chairs available to 42.

There are now 11 haemodialysis units in country South Australia of varying size and capacity including Berri, Ceduna, Clare, Maitland, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, South Coast and Whyalla. An additional four chairs are being added in 2014 with increases to be seen at Berri and Port Lincoln.

SA Health closely monitors the demand for dialysis services across the state. Resources are not currently available to establish any new services, including in the Barossa region.