Campaigners raising money for a new kidney dialysis unit in Stonehaven have been commended in the Scottish Parliament.
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald has tabled a motion applauding their efforts to build a facility at Kincardine Community Hospital.
The cost of starting up the Stonehaven Dialysis Unit, including equipment for a six-bed ward, is estimated at around £800,000.
NHS Grampian has agreed to fund the unit’s equipment and staff at an estimated £300,000, if fundraisers cover the £500,000 building costs.
Campaigners have raised more than £552,000 to date against a £750,000 target.
Mr Macdonald said: “Patients in Stonehaven and the surrounding area needing kidney dialysis currently have to travel long distances into Aberdeen before then spending the whole day in the existing unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“A dialysis unit at Stonehaven would make it so much easier for these patients to receive treatment close to home, and the fundraisers are to be commended for their efforts so far to make this dream a reality.
“However, once the dialysis unit is up and running it will need continued support to ensure that it continues to operate effectively.”
There are currently 25 patients, who undergo between four and six hours of treatment at ARI, in the Stonehaven area who could benefit from such a unit.
The campaign is supported by Portlethen man Angus Simpson, who suffers from kidney disease.
The 63-year-old retired offshore baker said: “I first went on dialysis last August and travel to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary three days a week.
“It is amazing when you realise how necessary it is and we need a new unit in Stonehaven because I am exhausted when I get home.
“If the unit was there it would only be 10 minutes from my house – it would make a great difference.”
Mr Simpson said a new unit in Stonehaven would take pressure off the facility at ARI which has aging machines that regularly break down.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said it was committed to establishing a satellite renal dialysis unit in Kincardine and meeting the staff, running and equipping costs.
She added that a design team would be appointed to work with the board and local community to finalise the plans, costs and timeline for opening.