Funding Announced for Dialysis and Same-Day Cancer Service Planning.

The Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas visited NCN Health Cobram on Thursday 27th November 2025. During this visit, the Minister announced a $255,000 investment to support the planning for a new day-stay dialysis unit and same-day cancer care service at the health service.
To further assist local patients, the Minister also announced a one-off grant for NCN Health to deploy two dedicated patient transport vehicles. These vehicles will make it easier for people to travel safely and comfortably to their appointments, while the new facility is planned for.

NCN Health CEO Dr Mark Ashcroft said the in-person visit provided an opportunity to highlight how critical these services are for the local NCN Health community, and in particular that access to care and associated transport issues have been ongoing concerns for people needing services such as regular dialysis treatment.
“Minister Thomas being here in person speaks to the trust and strong partnership we have built. It allowed us to directly share how improved transport and local dialysis and cancer services will transform care for people in our region.”
“For many years, local dialysis patients have been required to travel long distances to major regional hospitals to receive the care they need. The planning now underway marks an important step toward ensuring these vital services can be delivered closer to home, reducing the burden on patients and families.”

Planning for the new multi-purpose unit is being funded through the Labor Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
Minister Thomas said the funding will have a meaningful impact.
“This will be a gamechanger for Cobram locals who are currently travelling to other regional towns to receive dialysis and cancer treatment services – they will soon be able to stay close to home and their loved ones.”