New Zealand's dialysis services are under significant strain, with new data showing that some patients are being forced into nighttime treatment due to capacity issues. Dr. John Collins, a nephrologist at Auckland City Hospital, described the situation as a 'crisis' as hospitals face a rise in kidney disease.
The situation is particularly acute in Auckland, where dialysis machines are running at full capacity during the day. The Northern Region Health Coordination Centre reported that the number of patients requiring dialysis has increased by 5% over the past year, outpacing the growth in available machines.
Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) confirmed that they are working to expand capacity, including adding more machines and training additional staff. However, they acknowledged that nighttime dialysis is not ideal for patients, as it can disrupt sleep and daily routines.
Patient advocates have called for more investment in home dialysis options, which could alleviate pressure on hospital units. The Ministry of Health is reviewing the situation and is expected to release a report on kidney care later this month.
