State funds for transport to vital dialysis treatment in Newman

Newman Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service will have greater capacity to support it’s rural and remote patients through dialysis treatment with a $133,000 grant. The money, donated by Lotterywest, will help fund a transportation van with the ability to accommodate up to eight passengers and allow for wheelchair access. It will facilitate transfer of patients in remote communities, including patients with kidney related diseases, to access dialysis treatment at the PAMS facility due to be completed this year. PAMS chief executive Robby Chibawe said the organisation was grateful was the funding which would go a long way to bolstering the health of some of the State most vulnerable patients. “PAMS is dedicated to providing quality healthcare services that are culturally appropriate and accessible to the Nyiyaparli and Martu people living in rural communities,” he said. “Transport to health services is vital to empower patients who are unable to travel to access health treatment, including the dialysis clinic which will be open later this year. “The grant will go towards the new van, fit-out to suit off-road conditions and a wheelchair hoist to help transport our patients to and from their medical appointments. “I would like to thank Lotterywest for their support.” Lotterywest chief executive Jeremy Hubble said he was pleased to support an important community initiative.