FRANK Harper is doubly pleased with plans to build a renal dialysis unit and palliative care facility at Milton-Ulladulla Hospital.
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Mr Harper has type two diabetes, a key risk factor in the kidney problems that lead to a person requiring regular dialysis, and is president of the Milton-Ulladulla Diabetes Australia Support Group.
He also lost his daughter, Ellie Watson, to cancer six weeks ago after caring for her for almost two years.
Mr Harper said both the renal and palliative care units were “desperately needed” in the Milton-Ulladulla area and welcomed last month’s announcement of $4.2 million to fund the hospital renovations.
“I have lived with diabetes for 25 years and have friends who require dialysis,” he said.
“Having renal services available locally will mean patients don’t have to drive to Nowra two or three times a week for treatment.”
Mr Harper said his 46-year-old daughter was able to die at Milton-Ulladulla hospital surrounded by her friends and family.
She refused to go to the Berry palliative care facility and was fortunate to secure a bed locally for six weeks before her death.
“Palliative care is a must,” Mr Harper said.
“People need to have their family close by.”
Tenders for both new units, to be located at the rear of the hospital, will be called in the coming months, with work expected to commence early next year.
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock expects both facilities to be up and running within two years, providing a six bed dialysis unit, plus a palliative care unit to complement the Milton-Ulladulla Community Cancer Care Facility.