A new Invercargill Dialysis Unit, which opened at Southland Hospital today, will meet a growing demand and provide much-needed care closer to home for Southland people, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds.

Ms Simmonds opened the $440,,000 facility in Invercargill today.

"This is a wonderful development for our province, addressing growing demand and making life easier for those living with kidney disease.

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds joins Health NZ Southern project manager Jason Holder and Charge nurse manager Nic Holborow at the opening of the new Invercargill Dialysis Unit - 

Te Waka Whakaora Takihi “the vessel that holds the essence of dialysis.” Photo: Supplied

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“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make this happen here in our city - allowing Southlanders access to healthcare where and when they need it.

“This new dialysis unit is significant because it allows local people access to much-needed care right here in Invercargill - rather than enduring regular travel to Dunedin Hospital.

“At present some patients must travel to Dunedin three times a week for dialysis, while comprehensive training for home-based dialysis can take up to 12 weeks - again requiring patients to stay in Dunedin.

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds joins Health NZ Southern representatives, Southland Hospital staff and local iwi, at the official opening of Invercargill’s new Dialysis Unit - 

Te Waka Whakaora Takihi “the vessel that holds the essence of dialysis.”

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“I think it’s a gamechanger that these services can now be offered locally. I know that they will make a huge difference in the lives of kidney patients and their families in this province.

“I would also like to acknowledge the many people and organisations who have advocated tirelessly for this service and also the dedicated local clinicians and staff who work alongside patients with great care and compassion.

“And we’re not wasting any time – the official opening today concluded at 9.30am, with the first patient care starting half-a-hour later at 10am.

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds and Southland MP Joseph Mooney, with Health NZ Social chief medical officer Dr David Gow (left) and Health NZ Social group operations manager Craig Aston, at the opening of the new Invercargill Dialysis Unit. photo: Supplied

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“It’s also positive to note that the unit is fully staffed, with a doctor who is trained both in General and Renal Medicine and an associate charge nurse manager who was recruited to work at the unit - previously a charge nurse manager from Dunedin managed Invercargill operations. 

“We now have a new unit that features five haemodialysis spaces, previuosly there were two, in modern facilities designed to treat both outpatients and inpatients. 

Southland hospital staff from the new Invercargill Dialysis Unit, Te Waka Whakaora Takihi “the vessel that holds the essence of dialysis,” celebrating its opening today. Photo: Supplied

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“The unit also includes a dedicated area for peritoneal dialysis training and follow-up care.

“Construction began in November last year and was completed ahead of schedule and $40,000 budget on 4 February 2026. The work was undertaken by local contractor ABL (Amalgamated Builders LTD).”