Dialysis services continue to become more accessible for the growing number of Islanders requiring the life-sustaining treatment with the opening of the new Dialysis Centre at Prince County Hospital, announced Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“Our government recognizes that there is a growing number of Islanders who are requiring dialysis services here at home,” said Minister Currie. “With this new centre, patients requiring this life-sustaining service will see improved access to timely dialysis care in a facility that is modern with appropriate acute care supports nearby. Today is an example of our ongoing commitment to providing Islanders with access to timely health care services delivered by the most appropriate health care providers in the most appropriate places.”
The new state-of-the-art Dialysis Centre was built with the capacity to provide services for up to 54 patients per week, more than twice the capacity of the previous facility which could accommodate 24. The co-location at Prince County Hospital follows a growing national trend, providing the new Centre with access to the hospital’s diagnostic, support and emergency services when needed for dialysis patients with complex medical and nursing care needs.
“The new Centre will have an incredible impact on the quality of dialysis services we provide to patients from the Prince County area and other parts of the province,” says Paula Caulier, Manager of Prince County Home Care and Dialysis Services. “As a result of increased capacity, patients will receive dialysis appointments that are more convenient, consistent and better tailored to their care plan.”
The increased square footage of the new dialysis centre will conform to current standards while incorporating additional space for support service delivery such as a training room and bio-medical room. New technology such as a Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment System has been introduced and will improve the quality of the water used in the filtration of waste from the blood, resulting in improved patient outcomes for those receiving hemodialysis, a specialized form of dialysis treatment.
With rising rates of diabetes and heart disease, both contributing factors of kidney failure, the demand for dialysis services on Prince Edward Island is also expected to increase. Currently, there are 78 individuals receiving dialysis treatment across PEI.
Included as part of government’s commitment to improving timely access to dialysis services on PEI, a new Provincial Renal Clinic and new hemodialysis centre are expected to open early this summer and will be co-located in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s new Ambulatory Care Centre.
BACKGROUNDER:
Dialysis is a treatment required by individuals whose kidneys can no longer function as a result of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Using a machine that functions as an artificial kidney, blood flows from the patient through a special filter that removes waste and extra fluids. The clean blood is then returned to the body.
The removal of harmful wastes, toxins, extra salts and fluids helps to control a patient’s blood pressure and maintain the proper balance of chemicals like potassium and sodium in the body.
A patient will receive treatment at least three times per week, for four to six hours at a time, by specially trained staff. Once started, treatment is usually required for as long as the patient lives or until the receipt of a successful kidney transplant.