The new unit was part of a redevelopment of the dialysis, chemotherapy and physiotherapy units at Ararat and District Hospital.

Acting chief executive Peter Armstrong said the centre received $1.1 million from the Federal Government for the redevelopment.

“We now have a brand new space for patients in the region,” he said.

The redevelopment means the dialysis unit has upgraded from a four-chair unit to a six-chair unit.

“This means we can treat more patients at a time,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We have always offered a dialysis and oncology service, but it was in the old part of the hospital.

“We have now relocated those services to its own area, with its own space and plenty of room for patients.”

Mr Armstrong said it was important the unit was upgraded.

“Lots of people who come for these treatments spend a fair bit of time here,” he said.

“The new unit will mean they will be more comfortable.”

Mr Armstrong said the unit would also benefit the wider community.

“People in the region won’t have to travel far for treatment – meaning they can stay close to home,” he said.

“Without it they would have to travel to Horsham or Ballarat.

“Also tourists to the region who are visiting the Grampians can have treatment while they are here.”

Mr Armstrong said there was growing need for dialysis services in the region.

“Dialysis is unfortunately increasing in the community,” he said.

“People don’t donate organs and so many die on the roads, so not as many people can get kidney transplants.

“It is an increasing problem but it is good that we can provide this treatment.”

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan officially opened the new unit.