The upgrades began yesterday and are expected to cost about $1.165 million.

The work is positive news for renal patients who have been waiting for a bigger and more comfortable space for their treatment.

The renal facility will be expanded to allow an extra 16 dialysis patients to be treated each week, boosting the number of chairs for dialysis from six to 10.

Central Sector general manager Jill Ludford said the extra places would mean the renal unit could treat

as many as 40 patients in total each week.

It will be operating six days a week, with two shifts each day.

“We will also improve the layout and privacy for patients, including more space between chairs and curtains,” Ms Ludford said.

Work will include removing the existing landscaping and sunroom on the adjacent cottage, excavation, plumbing, drainage and installation of concrete flooring.

A waiting room for families and carers is being established in an adjacent cottage.

Furniture will be donated by the Wagga Wagga Renal Patient support group and using funds donated by

the Wagga Wagga Wollundry Rotary Club.

The work is expected to be completed in early October, and normal renal services will continue during the renovations.

Stephen Lawrence Constructions will carry out the work.