17 May 2014

Budget filip for kidney patients

12:40 am on 17 May 2014

The organisation Kidney Health New Zealand says extra funding in the budget for kidney transplants will be well used.

The Budget on Thursday provided $4 million over the next four years for more kidney transplants.

There are about 120 kidney transplants performed a year but between 600 and 700 patients waiting for one at any time.

The medical director of Kidney Health New Zealand, Kelvin Lynn, says a national transplantation service is to be set up with the funding.

He says once established it should boost transplantation nationwide.

Many patients who can't get a kidney transplant are forced onto dialysis.

Many patients who can't get a kidney transplant are forced onto dialysis. Photo: AFP