THE renal unit at Hervey Bay Hospital is about to receive a $900,000 makeover, making it a more comfortable "home away from home" for patients.

Funded by Queensland Health, the upgrade will modernise the 10-chair unit, and establish it as a key training and support centre for patients receiving dialysis at home.

Renal Nurse Unit manager Lynne Abell said after the renovations, the Hervey Bay unit would be similar to the brand new renal unit built at Maryborough.

"Patient comfort is extremely important, as patients undergoing dialysis treatment in our renal unit attend for up to five hours, three times per week," Ms Abell said.

As well as increasing the unit's size, the renovations will improve access to home therapy renal treatment and add another second isolation room.

"It will also improve our ability to provide regular education, support and outreach services to around 23 patients so they can receive dialysis treatment in their own home.

"We will also be able to provide education to community groups, other staff and family members involved in caring for people with renal failure."

"During construction, patients will receive their treatment either in a small temporary dialysis unit at Hervey Bay Hospital or at Maryborough Hospital's Renal Unit," Ms Abell said.

"Patients will be transported to and from the Maryborough Unit at no cost to them."

About 70 people across the Fraser Coast receive haemodialysis treatment either in Hervey Bay and Maryborough Renal units or in their own home.

Local company Win Constructions Qld was awarded the tender for the project and will start work at the end of April, with construction expected to take 8-10 weeks.

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