News & Events: Media Releases

New world class water treatment system

19 January 2006

“A first for Far North renal patients and a tourist drawcard”

A state-of-the-art water treatment facility installed at the Cairns Private Hospital will double the capacity of the renal dialysis unit and cater for holiday makers who require treatment.

Cairns Private Hospital CEO Richard Lizzio said the new system will also improve the quality of water being delivered to renal patients during life-saving dialysis treatment.

The water treatment facility is part of a major $700 000 refurbishment and expansion of the Hospital’s renal unit, which is expected to be completed by May.

“The upgrade will see treatment increase from 30 to 60 patients and open the previously public facility to private patients. Five private chairs will be available as well as a service for dialysis patients holidaying in Cairns.

“Until now Cairns has not been a vacation option for international tourists who require dialysis so this new service will definitely draw tourists limited by their renal condition. It will also provide another option for those visiting from inter-state for work or play,” Mr Lizzio said.

One of the most significant benefits of the water treatment facility is its purifying capability and its water saving capacity, reducing water usage by up to 20 000 litres daily.

Geoff Kendall from Medtek Pty Ltd said the Gambro Central Water Plant (131ROHH) is used extensively throughout the world. “It uses a dual stage reverse osmosis system, which means the water that is not used in the delivery system to the patient is returned back and purified a second and third time.”

Purified water in renal units is vital for the safe and effective treatment of dialysis patients who are individually exposed to 300-400 litres of water per week. The water used during the process must be purified to prevent clinical side effects due to contamination of the water supply.

Mr Kendall said Cairns Private Hospital has enlisted the latest technology that will set a benchmark for others to follow. “It has the capacity to enable the renal service to meet future growth in demand from Cairns and its catchment.

The water treatment plant is the only one of its kind north of Mackay he added.