Windsor Regional Hospital unveils new dialysis centre

There are brand new chairs and smart TV's for each patient at the new dialysis centre in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. (Chris Campbell / CTV Windsor)

A part of the historic Bell building has been re-purposed and Windsor Regional Hospital has unveiled its new dialysis centre.

Patients got a first look at the centre Wednesday after a year of construction.

It cost about $14-million to build the facility on Goyeau Street. It is scheduled to open May 8.

The out-patient dialysis facility is spacious, bright and filled with amenities that hospital officials say offer comfort and care to patients. There are 30 stations, brand new chairs and smart TV's for each patient, as well as a strategically placed nurse's station.

“This new unit is a wonderful, bright, fresh and comfortable setting that will benefit patients and families for many years to come,” said Monica Staley Liang, WRH vice president for the renal program. “We are proud of this project which transforms the patient experience for those needing dialysis on such a frequent basis.”

Dialysis involves the artificial replacement of the process to eliminate waste from the blood, due to lost kidney function. It is commonly used for patients suffering chronic kidney disease.

“There is growing need to treatment of kidney disorders in our community,” says nephrologist Dr. Amit Bagga, medical director for the renal program at WRH, which administers more than 40,000 dialysis treatments per year. “The need is growing at a rate that remains higher than the provincial average. We need to ensure we have the best facilities and quality care surroundings for our patients as well as our hard working staff and volunteers.”

Those patients who received care at the satellite office on McDougall, where there have been 15 stations, will transfer to this new location.

The existing main unit in the Jeanne Mance building of the Ouellette campus will remain open with 10 stations to care for higher acuity patients, and the renal unit inside Leamington District Memorial Hospital will remain open, with seven stations.

“This investment is an important one in improving the patient’s experience across the region. As we know, the surrounding environment is a significant contributor to the patient’s well-being.” said Psychologist Dr. Martin Girash, Board Chair, Erie St. Clair LHIN.