Closure of Darwin's YiSSA short-stay centre raises safety worries for dialysis patients
The imminent shutdown of YiSSA, Darwin's largest short-stay accommodation, threatens the wellbeing of remote dialysis patients who rely on its housing and transport services.
The YiSSA short-stay facility in Darwin, which has housed hundreds of remote Territorians for nearly three years, will close on October 11 following the NT government's rejection of a $3.5 million joint-purchase proposal from the federal government. Dialysis patients such as Charlie Yebarrarr Dhamarrandji and Evonne Mitja Wunungmurra, who travel from Galiwin'ku in Arnhem Land for life-saving treatment, describe YiSSA as a "godsend" that provided shelter, transport and cultural safety.
Support worker Chloe Hill of Panuku, part of the Indigenous-led Purple House, says the abrupt closure could force patients into unsafe, overcrowded housing or homelessness, jeopardising their treatment schedules. NT Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill announced a plan to move remaining residents to Batchelor, about 100 km from Darwin, while NT Health pledged to assist vulnerable patients in securing nearby accommodation. Officials acknowledge the challenge of ensuring continuity of care, especially as the wet season approaches.
Why it matters
The shutdown could leave dialysis patients without safe housing, risking missed treatments and serious health consequences.
In this story
