That’s the case for home dialysis patient Bruce Rickard.

Mr Rickard is among the dialysis patients to use the Big Red Kidney Bus service in Port Macquarie.

The bus is located at the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park until July 28.

It gives dialysis patients from around Australia the opportunity to meet up with the bus to continue their dialysis treatment at no cost while on holiday.

Mr Rickard said the Big Red Kidney Bus allowed dialysis patients to have a break away from home.

The Sydney resident said Port Macquarie was a nice spot with different activities on offer.

“The reason I came here is because I know people here,” he said.

Mr Rickard has relied on dialysis since late 2016 after a renal failure diagnosis.

“Dialysis keeps you alive in the hope you get that transplant,” he said.

Big Red Kidney Bus supporters attended a community morning tea on July 6.

Kidney Health Australia and Royal North Shore Hospital operate the bus in partnership, providing up to 1500 dialysis treatments a year under the expert care of the Royal North Shore Hospital dialysis team.

Port Macquarie home dialysis patient Andrew Tanswell has booked a dialysis chair on the bus with a view to including the service in future travel plans.

Mr Tanswell has been on dialysis for about eight years.

“It’s wonderful the dialysis machine keeps you alive but it’s very constraining in its own little ways,” he said.

“I’m just happy I’m still going and I’ve something that can be treated and the wonderful staff, nurses and doctors [at Port Macquarie Base Hospital] have kept me alive.”

Big Red Kidney Bus medical director Dr Yvonne Shen said the benefits of the mobile dialysis service included people not having to think about themselves as patients all the time.

Port Macquarie rated highly in a patient survey about Big Red Kidney Bus potential destinations and a six-week visit is the result.

Kidney Health Australia is grateful for the continued generosity of individuals and organisations in the community for their support of the ongoing program and running costs.

Kidney Health Australia urges people living with kidney disease to book holiday dialysis, a familiarisation visit or request more information about the bus.

There are still slots available during the Port Macquarie visit.

The Big Red Kidney Bus is open to all Australians on hospital, satellite or home haemodialysis.

Phone 1800 454 363, email bigredkidneybus@kidney.org.au or visit www.kidney.org.au/bus for more information.