JOHN Copeland, of Seaholme, has been having dialysis for six years, receiving treatment at hospitals in Footscray, Melbourne and Coburg before getting a place at Williamstown Hospital.
The 79-year-old sits through more than four hours of treatment every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and at times suffers from after-effects including dizziness, meaning it's desirable that he be close to home.
"I don't have a car so I get the bus; it made it very awkward for me to travel," he said.
Mr Copeland is one of the lucky patients who can use a dialysis unit in his area.
"There is one lady who lives in Footscray. She has to go to Melton; they didn't have any other place for her." He described the dialysis unit at Williamstown Hospital as excellent.