Kidney Health Australia is trying to change that – on Sunday, carloads of dialysis patients turned up in Busselton for a much-needed holiday, as part of the Kidney Health Australia Henry Giblett Adult Holiday Dialysis Program.

The program, now in its 13th year, involves setting up a temporary dialysis unit at the St John Ambulance sub centre in Busselton.

The program was founded in 1998 in memory of Henry Giblett, who offered needy patients a holiday home equipped with a haemodialysis machine in Busselton. Mrs Giblett will meet with families attending this year’s holiday in honour of her late husband.

“It takes a year of planning,” said Jenny Duggan, WA Health Services manager of Kidney Health Australia.

“Basically we send out posters and application forms to every renal unit in the state.

“Usually 30-40 people apply – 16 regular dialysis patients and up to four home dialysis patients are picked.

“There are patients from all over the state, (including) Perth, Broome and Geraldton.

“They love it – it allows them to get away from their home and hospital and go for a holiday.”

Jenny believes the service is a great getaway for people needing daily dialysis.

“More and more people every year are going on dialysis, it makes it harder for existing patients to go on holidays each year due to lack of room in the hospital units,” she said.

Stephan Claesson, who suffered N stage renal failure in the 1990s, agrees.

“I’ve been on dialysis for nearly 15 years,” Stephan said. “When you have renal failure you’re limited with what you can do.”

While some patients have to go to hospital every day, the Bullsbrook, resident has a dialysis machine at his house, which he uses every night.

“It changes your lifestyle but you don’t let it ruin you – you can work around it,” Stephan said.

“The main thing is I’m still here.”

This is the second time Stephan has used the program.

“It’s been a big help – you can relax and have a bit of a holiday.

“It’s more like a family situation – it’s a lot more relaxed than the hospitals.”

Stephan is enjoying his time in Busselton.

“I’m down for a week,” he said.

“We had a barbecue on Sunday night and later on we’re going to have dinner, go to the jetty, have a bush tucker tour, we’ve been given movie tickets, Coles shopping vouchers and we’re going to have a farewell thing on Friday.”

The trip has been good for both Stephen and his wife.

“It’s a break for her as well,” he said.

“The wives all mingle together.

“It’s a more relaxing atmosphere.”