Construction began this week on the new Prince County Hospital Dialysis Unit, which will benefit many Islanders faced with renal disease in the province’s western region, says Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“Many Islanders require dialysis services, and this new facility will provide modern and expanded coverage for those in need,” said Minister Bertram. “Over the past two years our government has committed over half a million dollars to allow more Islanders to receive dialysis treatment in our province. Funding has been dedicated to increase staffing and new treatment spaces.”
The new $2.7 million expansion to the Prince County Hospital will have the capacity to accommodate nine patients, including two private treatment rooms. In addition, the province has committed to a new dialysis facility at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which is already underway as part of the new Ambulatory Care Centre. It is anticipated that both facilities will be completed in 2012 and will increase dialysis capacity by over 125 per cent.
Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment required by individuals whose kidneys can no longer function as a result of kidney disease. Hemodialysis requires the use of a machine and direct access to the blood system. Treatments are usually performed three times per week, for four to six hours per treatment, by specially trained staff. There are currently four dialysis sites in the province, located at in Alberton, Summerside, Charlottetown and Souris.