Haemodialysis patients can often become a prisoner of their own homes, bound by the confines of four walls and chained to a machine.

With these realities in mind, a Midlands Regional Renal Centre patient has come up with an idea to try and get the more than 100 haemodialysis patients in the area an opportunity for reprieve.

Waikato District Health Board clinical nurse director Nicky Hagan sitting with Morrinsville Lions Club treasurer Bryan Barker and member Hugh Makgill. Photo: Waikato DHB

Renal patient Scott Smith had the dream for a campervan that would allow patients the freedom to take dialysis with them.

Now two years to the day, and after an enormous community effort, the first freedom dialysis van for upper north island is open for hire.

Waikato District Health Board clinical director Dr Peter Sizeland says despite doctors and patients agreeing that when dialysis can be delivered at home it should, but everyone recognises that can be limiting.

'We have lost that flexibility for patients to take that break and get away from the house where they are doing treatment sometimes five times a week,” he says.

Dr Sizeland wants to thank the number of community groups and individuals who contributed to raising almost $150,000, including the Morrinsville Lions who donated $118,000 themselves.

'We are in a privileged position where we get to treat patients that enrich our lives but I hope this is one step to do that for them. It is going to be life transforming for our patients,” says Dr Sizeland.

The van will be available for hire through the Waikato District Health Board area, and more information will soon be posted to the health board's website: www.waikatodhb.health.nz