St Vincent's Melbourne Dialysis Unit moves to the Park

For the past 28 years, a quaint old building on Gertude St has provided a satellite home for the dialysis unit at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM). This unit provides care to over 350 patients a year across Victoria with treatment on-site and through the home dialysis program. 

In May, the team transitioned to a new facility at St Vincent’s on the Park. The new space has brought with it a brighter, more modern environment with improved amenities and greater comfort for patients. 

One of the key changes included the installation of a new central water purification system. This reliable and secure system consistently delivers the high-quality water required for dialysis, ensuring treatments remain safe, effective, and in line with best-practice standards.  Another key improvement saw each chair fitted with an individual television. 

“Given how much time patients spend in our care each week, having the option to choose their own shows provides a welcome sense of comfort,” said Associate Nurse Unit Manager Gwen Still, who has worked in SVHM’s Dialysis Unit team for the past 15 years. 

“It’s a small change that makes a big difference, helping to create a more positive and personalised experience during long treatment sessions.” 

L to R; Kathryn Brown, David Cork, Etenesh Kossa (front) Gwen Still, Elizabeth Kyriakides and Sauibuz Zaman

The Gertrude St unit officially closed its doors on 27 May and patients were receiving dialysis just a couple of days later at St Vincents on the Park. 

“The new site also supports more efficient workflows, which helps our team provide timely, high-quality care,” said Maria Franklin, SVHM’s Operations Manager Medicine Services. 

The Renal service provided through the unit offers comprehensive care for individuals with advanced stages of kidney disease including treatment planning and education, as well as offering dialysis and transplantation services. 

“Change can often feel uncertain for patients but clear communication and transparency throughout the move really helped ease the transition and the feedback we’ve been getting has been extremely positive,” said Gwen. 

Above: The old Gertrude St building

A trip back in time 
Before housing our dialysis unit, the building located at 18-22 Gertrude St was the Carlton Club Hotel. It was a classic working-class pub with a storied past. Locals remember billiards, beer, and brush-ins with the law. It’s even linked to the infamous underworld figure Squizzy Taylor, who was rumoured to frequent the area.  

Among the team who worked at Gertrude St is Vicky Lok, a nurse who spent most of her 30-year career at this unit. She also recalls when the dialysis unit was initially housed in the Healy Wing before relocating to Gertrude St.

“We came from a smaller unit in what is now the chapel,” Vicky said. “This was a big step up, with more chairs and patients. It made a difference.” 

Associate Nurse Unit Manager Janice Molas said there was a sense of excitement with staff about the move to St Vincent’s on the Park.  

“It’s a more relaxing environment. We’ve gone from 15 to 17 chairs, plus we now have a tech room, and better isolation options. We can also accommodate our home therapy patients.” 

Above: Vicky Lok at a farewell to the old site