AWH Renal Services Expansion to Strengthen Kidney Care Across the Border Region
Monday, 15 December 2025 / Albury Wodonga Health
Albury Wodonga Health today welcomes major investment from the Victorian Government, delivered through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF), to significantly expand renal dialysis services across our region. The project will boost dialysis capacity on both hospital campuses and strengthen support for patients suitable for home-based treatment.
This $4,449,699 investment will fund the expansion of the Wodonga Campus Renal Dialysis Unit from nine to fifteen care points, enabling more patients to access life-sustaining treatment closer to home. Two additional dialysis care points will also be introduced at the Albury Campus, eliminating the need for acutely unwell patients to be transported between campuses for dialysis treatment.
The project will also see AWH’s Home Dialysis Service expand from one to three care points, increasing capacity to train and support patients who are clinically suitable for home-based dialysis. AWH currently supports around 20 patients across the broader catchment to receive safe, effective treatment in their own homes.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and will be delivered in stages over approximately 12 months to maintain continuity of care. Once complete, and with staff trained and operationally ready, the expansion will effectively double AWH’s renal dialysis capacity, removing the need for patients to travel outside the region for treatment.
Bill Appleby, CEO of Albury Wodonga Health, welcomed the funding as an important milestone for kidney care in the Border community.
“Albury Wodonga Health welcomes the Victorian Minister of Health’s announcement of significant capital investment to expand renal dialysis services for our community. This funding will allow us to strengthen local access to high-quality, contemporary care for people living with chronic kidney disease across the Border region”, he said.
“The planned expansion will see ten additional care points established across our Albury and Wodonga campuses, including six new care points within our haemodialysis unit at Wodonga, two additional dialysis care points at the Albury, and two home dialysis care points. This growth will support more patients to receive timely and appropriate treatment closer to home, reducing pressure on our existing service and improving the overall patient experience.”
“Works are expected to commence in 2026 and will be delivered in stages over the following year to ensure continuity of care throughout the transition.
“We are delighted to see this investment in our region’s health infrastructure and look forward to working closely with the Victorian Government as we deliver these important enhancements for our community”, he added.
Dr Jack Heron, Staff Specialist Nephrologist, said the expansion will have a meaningful impact on patient safety, access and experience.
“For people living with kidney disease, dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that often means long hours and frequent travel,” Dr Heron said.
“This funding announcement is an important step forward in delivering kidney care for our region. The dialysis expansion will mean patients have access to haemodialysis at Albury Hospital, expanded dialysis capacity in the Wodonga Dialysis Unit, and greater support for dialysis treatment at home. More patients will be able to receive the care they need closer to home.”
He said having dialysis services located across both campuses will deliver safer, more accessible care.
“Having dialysis available on both Albury and Wodonga campuses will make treatment safer and more accessible.”
Dr Heron also noted the longer-term benefits for the community, “This funding strengthens kidney care for our region, supporting haemodialysis capacity on the Albury campus, additional chairs in Wodonga, and greater access to home dialysis.”
AWH acknowledges the Victorian Government’s investment and the dedicated work of our renal clinicians, our project staff, and executive leadership team who have advocated for this much-needed expansion.