Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health and Wellness, is pleased to officially announce additional provincial funding of $250,000 towards enhancing hemodialysis services in Prince Edward Island.
“Rising rates of diabetes and heart disease in our aging population contribute to kidney failure, which has led to a growing demand for hemodialysis services here in PEI,” said Minister Bertram. “As a result of this funding, we will be able to continue to expand the dialysis program to accommodate the increasing demand for hemodialysis service in the province.”
Previously, Island patients would have to wait in Halifax until treatment spaces were available in PEI. With the recent expansion of the capacity for hemodialysis treatment to 57 spaces in PEI, the current provincial demand is now being met, significantly minimizing the number of Islanders having to travel out of province for treatment.
“Last year, our government committed $248,000 to allow more Islanders to receive hemodiaysis treatment in PEI,” said Minister Bertram. “This year, with an additional $250,000 in provincial funding, we are more than doubling our commitment to address hemodialysis needs within our One Island Community.”
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 Western Hospital in Alberton, Summerset Manor in Summerside, Beach Grove Home in Charlottetown and Souris Hospital in Souris.