Dialysis unit opens in Gander

More dialysis patients can now receive services closer to home announced Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer as Kevin O�Brien, MHA, Gander officially opened the Dialysis Satellite Unit in James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander.

"The opening of the dialysis unit not only improves access to vital services, it improves the lives of the patients living in the central region," said Minister Ottenheimer. "With this service enhancement, we have eliminated the wait list for dialysis service in Gander,
accommodating all patients who requested services at this unit, and met the existing medical criteria."

Budget 2005 allocated $300,000 to support dialysis services in Gander, furthering government�s commitment to reduce patient wait times. The Gander Dialysis Satellite Unit opened for service on February 28 and can accommodate up to 12 patients at capacity and is operational 12 hours per day.

Gander�s MHA Kevin O�Brien said this new unit is a great example of a community and government working together. "The addition of this unit will further improve the care our patients deserve and will receive. Such a warm, inviting atmosphere is certain to make receiving dialysis treatment a more comfortable experience," said Mr. O�Brien. "It is a testament to our government�s commitment to the residents of the central region and a tribute to the hard work of the Dialysis Program Campaign Committee, our health care foundation, the staff and administration of the hospital and our community as a whole."

In March 2004, government announced it would proceed with new satellite hemodialysis units in Gander and Carbonear, consistent with the recommendations of the Provincial Renal Advisory Committee Report.

According to provincial dialysis experts, criteria for a safe, quality satellite dialysis services include a volume of 10-12 medically stable patients and the availability of medical specialists. Full service dialysis units are now located in Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, and St. John�s. In addition, Stephenville and Carbonear have hospital-based satellite services and Clarenville operates a satellite unit.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications, (709) 729-1377 , 682-5093

2005 03 29                           2:20 p.m.