Dialysis Crisis: Australian and New Zealand Services Under Severe Strain

Key Findings

A report by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) and the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry reveals that haemodialysis services across Australia and New Zealand are operating under significant strain.

Over 80% of Australian regions have waitlists for people needing to start dialysis or transfer closer to home, with some wait times extending several years.

The crisis is deepening:

• Approximately 25% of Australian dialysis units have machines idle due to insufficient staff or funding.
• Some patients are starting dialysis later than medically appropriate or receiving shorter, less frequent treatment, increasing risk of harm.

Patient Impact

The report highlights that patients in areas with limited capacity are forced to travel long distances, incurring financial and social burdens.

Sarah Latham, a 41-year-old from Warren, NSW, drove up to nine hours weekly for dialysis. She sometimes received treatment only twice a week despite needing it three times weekly. She has since received a kidney transplant.

David Lawford from Broome, WA, had to wait in Perth until a slot opened—due to a death—before returning home for dialysis.

Official Statements

"We are at a point of crisis where units are really unable to increase to address acute demand."
— ANZSN President Sharon Ford

The report warns that without change, there will be more emergency presentations and escalating long-term costs from preventable complications.

Professor Karen Dwyer of Melbourne University noted that addressing the growth in kidney disease through early intervention could reduce future dialysis demand.

Government Responses

Government responses varied:

• Tasmania and Queensland reported no rationing.
• ACT reported no waitlists.
• The federal government cited funding for public hospitals and a national blueprint.
• Health New Zealand is developing a nationwide renal dialysis plan.