Renal unit great news for Trevor

GLADSTONE resident Trevor Roberts has welcomed news of a renal unit in the town as it will mean he can get his life back to normal.

He currently travels to Rockhampton three times a week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - to receive dialysis.

"I do wonder, 'will they actually do it'," he said.

"Anna Bligh is coming up for re-election, but I am happy about the news."

On Wednesday, QGC announced it would contribute $2 million for the establishment of a renal dialysis centre at Gladstone Hospital, in a partnership with Queensland Health.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced the partnership when she was in Gladstone, with the senior vice president of the Queensland Curtis LNG Project, Ian Bradshaw.

The funding allows for the purchase of three dialysis units, chairs, refurbishment of the facility, staff training and the cost of operating the unit for the next two years.

Mr Roberts said if the renal dialysis unit does come to fruition it would allow him to work more and have more of a life.

"I would be able to work half a day, everyday, and then go and have dialysis, whereas now I can only work a few days."

He said Rockhampton Hospital had recently cancelled dialysis on a Sunday, which meant people couldn't change days or take holidays easily.

"It's really packed up there now," he said.

He has Wegener's granulomatosis - a rare and incurable autoimmune disease that inflames the blood vessels, making it hard for blood to flow.

Diagnosed in 2006, he has battled numerous health issues and last August the disease affected his kidneys and he began dialysis.

Someone has to drive him to Rockhampton for the treatment, as he is unable to drive afterwards.

In February, Mr Roberts launched a Facebook campaign to get dialysis treatment in Gladstone.

There are now 1200 members.