A new, larger hemodialysis unit and kidney care clinic are open at Chinook Regional Hospital. Through a $23.4-million expansion, the local dialysis capacity has increased from 24 treatment stations to 30. “Beyond the expanded capacity, we do have the ability to go to a nocturnal option. So that allows people to spend the night and dialyze overnight rather than coming in during the day for a four-hour treatment,” said Scott Holland, executive director of Alberta Kidney Care South. “They can come in overnight, for those that are interested, and they can carry on and work and live out their lives after dialysis.” As the population grows, so too will the demand for space, explained Holland. Cases of advanced kidney disease have risen by 20 per cent over the past five years, according to the province. “There’s no cure, unfortunately, for kidney disease other than dialysis and a transplant, and so in the lack of a kidney transplant, dialysis is the only life-sustaining option for these folks,” said Holland. The expansion also includes the dedicated kidney care clinic that will provide education, training and support for patients receiving home dialysis and supporting organ donation and transplantation. The provincial government invested $23.4 million toward the project. “We are a hub for many patients in the south, so expanding those services here most often means fewer and fewer trips to Medicine Hat or Calgary, and then they’re able to live more fulsome lives right here at home,” said Nathan Neudorf, Lethbridge-East MLA. The clinic includes four clinical rooms, five treatment areas, and support for home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis programs. Susan Jorgensen, the Alberta Kidney Care South unit manager at Chinook Regional Hospital, says the new area is about providing better overall care for patients. “It’s very important to our patients,” said Jorgensen. “They’re already not feeling well, and they’re sick and feeling weak. So to come to a place that’s bright and welcoming and has room—doesn’t have clutter or isn’t cramped—makes them feel mentally better, and then that turns into physically better.” The expanded unit will support up to 180 patients each week.
