The unit will undergo renovations before opening in late August, weather permitting. According to new plans, the unit will host four extra four chairs and a self-dialysis teaching area. 

Member for Murray Austin Evans says the new unit also responds to what he sees as a rising need for such renal dialysis units in the area. 

“It seems to be a growing demand across the region. You don’t like to see people on dialysis but when they do you need to make sure you have the facilities there to accommodate it,” he said. 

“It’s good to see the unit coming. They got it here quick.” 

A similar renal dialysis unit was opened in Denniliquin recently, to combat what Mr Evans sees as a growing demand. 

With the first stage of construction already beginning, Mr Evans said he is it’s good to see the project push forward. 

“It’s good to see some of the stuff actually happen now,” he said. 

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He confirmed he was in the process of lobbying for further funding in the upcoming budget. 

“A lot of the existing $35 million for stage one will be in the upcoming budget because you can’t spend it quick enough,” he said. 

“It’s about going forward from there and looking forward to the bigger picture. I expect it to be in the budget. It might not be prescribed for the next financial year but it’ll be in the budget papers to say this is the amount going forward.” 

General construction works are slated to take place between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. 

A letter sent to residents by Lipman Pty Ltd who have been hired to complete the construction says “every effort” will be made to keep noise to a minimum. 

“Like any construction site, there will be some noise and dust, however we will make every effort to keep this to a minimum and will try to finish the work as quickly as possible,” it said. 

“When required, traffic control staff will be onsite to direct traffic.” 

Griffith Base Hospital General Manager said the existing renal dialysis unit within the hospital had reached full capacity. She feels the expansion was needed. 

“The unit runs two shifts every day, seven-days a week and we need to expand this service in order to meet the growing need,” she said.

“The temporary building will extend the number of chairs as well as provide new hemodialysis training with patients being able to stay in Griffith to learn how to self-dialyze.”