Renal patient Raylene Arthur speaks with Bendigo Health’s clinical director of surgical services, Graeme Campbell, before her procedure.
Bendigo Health’s new vascular surgery service has improved local access to high-quality healthcare for patients with circulation problems, diabetic complications and kidney failure.
Two vascular surgeons have been operating at the hospital for six months, performing a range of procedures including renal access surgery and vascular interventions.
Patients like Raylene Arthur previously travelled to Melbourne for this service.
Ms Arthur was diagnosed with goodpasture syndrome 34 years ago.
“It’s easier to do it (surgery) in your environment, rather than somewhere you’re not used to. You’re family can come, it’s just a really good thing for Bendigo Health,” she said.
Bendigo Health’s clinical director of surgical services, Graeme Campbell, said the service had started slowly, but demand was increasing.
“It has been warmly received,” he said.
“Kidney disease is steadily with us, diabetes is a growing problem in Australia and the complications of diabetes and kidney disease are often found in vascular problems, which are the main focuses of the service.”
So far 16 cases have gone through the Cardiac Cath Lab, including fistulograms, fistuloplasty and leg fistulograms, while seven surgeries have taken place in theatre, including varicose veins and fistula creations, for those undergoing dialysis.
Vascular surgeon Iman Bayat said: “Our biggest focus has been diabetes and the implications of that. Whether its circulation problems or kidneys failing for people who require dialysis.”
