The Monaro regional dialysis group said they were happy about recent developments concerning the promised $1 million renal dialysis unit.

The dialysis group met with the Southern NSW Health Network district director of nursing and midwifery Tanya Dusty and the deputy director of nursing at the Cooma Hospital Denise Green on Thursday.

Dialysis group chair Dugald Mitchell said it was a positive meeting.

“It was a good step forward,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Tanya Dusty presented us with a draft options paper to look at.”

“We are considering all the options to see how they can meet our goal.

“The main goal of the dialysis group is to ensure patients are treated locally, except for severe cases,” he said.

“We will take the paper away and have a good look at it and prepare a formal response for the next meeting which is on Thursday November 10,” he said.

Innovative approaches are being considered including paying “buddies.”

Monaro regional renal dialysis group vice chair Barbara Scanes said she had been collecting information on people requiring renal services in the three shires of Cooma-Monaro, Bombala and Snowy River.

“So far we have 22 people on our books. There are people who have had kidney transplants, some are having dialysis here or go away to Canberra, Bega or Sydney. A number of people are waiting to start dialysis.

“People can ring me on 6452 3010 if they are receiving dialysis or may need to in the future, or know of anyone who is or requires dialysis,” Mrs Scanes said.