The Kidney Dialysis Unit started taking patients last month. Most patients require treatment three times per week and find the North Shore location more accessible than Royal Inland Hospital.
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
September 13, 2013 - 2:35 PM
KAMLOOPS – The Kamloops Kidney Dialysis Unit on the North Shore officially opened today but it's just a formality with patients receiving care at the new unit since last month.
Before, patients only had access to hemodialysis services at Royal Inland Hospital. The new clinic offers eight hemodialysis stations as well as consultation and exam rooms.
Allan Morgenthaler, a patient at the clinic, was on hand for the opening and said he is blessed to have access to the community dialysis unit.
“I'm blessed to be one of the first ones in this unit. It's roomy, it's quiet and it's clean. Best of all we've got some of the best nurses around,” he said during the opening ceremony Friday morning. “You never thought you'd be in this situation, but we are. Thank you for bringing this to us.”
During the opening several patients were inside receiving treatment, something the renal services regional director of Interior Health said is a regular part of life for those living with kidney disease.
“Most patients will be accessing dialysis services three times a week,” Paula James said. “This unit provides us the opportunity to build capacity in the community... to move towards personal management of chronic illness.”
Health Minister Terry Lake was also at the opening of the new clinic, which is located in his riding at 797 Tranquille Road. The creation of the unit was announced last summer.
To contact a reporter for this story, email jstahn@infotelnews.ca, call (250)819-3723 or tweet @JennStahn.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013