Concerns life-saving kidney care is underfunded across New Zealand.

Dialysis - a vital treatment for thousands - can take hours, with some patients travelling long distances or managing care at home without any medical support.

Health New Zealand admitted to 1News there's been a lack of funding in renal care in some parts of the country. 

Kidney Health New Zealand General Manager Madi Keaytold Ryan Bridge every hospital unit is struggling.

She says Christchurch Hospital's come forward with concerns care may have to be rationed - and every unit would be feeling similar pressures. 

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