Townsville University Hospital secures NQ Kidney Transplant Service

A promise to NQ dialysis patients was fulfilled with the announcement of an annual investment of $15 million that will see TUH become the second kidney transplant service in Queensland and the only one of its kind outside the south-east corner.

Nephrologist and North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service lead Dr Michelle Harfield told Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman, when she visited TUH this week, she was proud to tell many of her patients living on kidney dialysis they would soon be able to receive a lifesaving treatment closer to home. 

"Kidney disease disproportionately affects disadvantaged, rural, and First Nations people who make up a significant proportion of our population," she said.

"We have higher rates of dialysis here in north Queensland but lower rates of transplantation due to the geographic burden travelling to and from Brisbane has on our northern Queensland patients. 

"Thanks to this funding, we know more patients will have a transplant rather than staying on dialysis and, in doing so, will live longer and healthier lives."

“Unfortunately, the tyranny of distance means some patients decline a lifesaving transplant and instead spend many weeks, months and years on dialysis in an effort to stay close to home. 

"I look forward to seeing kidney transplant rates for disadvantaged people, including First Nations people, increase through our commitment to creating a service designed to meet the needs of our community and one that is welcoming and safe."

Dr Harfield said the service would include initiatives to improve local transplantation rates. 

This includes strategies to reduce the travel, financial and cultural barriers encountered by transplant patients.

"Transplant surgeries will be provided at Townsville University Hospital, but pre and post-transplant care will be delivered at other hospitals across the catchment closer to where patients live," she said.

"I am looking forward to collaborating with the community and colleagues from across the health system to deliver a service that is authentically north Queensland.""

Director of planning Billy Bragg said a detailed business case to develop the service was accepted after years of advocacy.

“The service will treat local patients as well as those from communities across North Queensland including Cairns, Mackay, Cape York, Torres Strait Islands and Mount Isa," he said.

“The health service has dedicated countless hours to this important project which will have a life-changing impact for many dialysis patients. We are already working hard to bring the service to life before the first-ever kidney transplant at TUH takes place in early 2025.”

Townsville HHS chief executive Kieran Keyes said the hard work would start now as Dr Harfield began setting up a highly skilled team. 

"In its first year, we anticipate the service will change the lives of about 30 people through a lifesaving transplant," Mr Keyes said.

"We expect this number will grow and strengthen our position as the tertiary referral hospital for the region.

"Ultimately, the service will see less people needing dialysis and more people getting back to their communities, their families, and their day-to-day lives."