New resources added to PCH Hemodialysis Unit

Three new shifts have been added to the Prince County Hospital Hemodialysis Unit.

The additional staff time, which is being added in the afternoons on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, will help treat an additional six patients.

The changes were added earlier this month.

“We have been working closely with our staff and health-care providers to grow our renal care programs and services to better support Islanders living with chronic kidney disease and kidney failure,” said Cheryl Banks, RN and director of the P.E.I. Renal Program.

“This investment ensures that the growing number of Islanders who rely on lifesaving and lifesustaining hemodialysis treatment can receive it closer to home. This is important not only to our patients but to their families and caregivers.”

An additional $740,000 is being allocated this year to help increase staffing, supplies and medications needed to support increasing patient need across the province’s hemodialysis units.

In addition to the changes at Prince County Hospital, planning is underway to increase the treatment capacity from 67 to 74 patients at the Charlottetown Hemodialysis Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

There are currently 103 Islanders receiving hemodialysis treatment, with an additional nine Islanders on a “close watch” list for treatment. In addition to the hemodialysis service, there are 26 Islanders receiving peritoneal dialysis and 105 post-kidney transplant patients being supported through the Provincial Renal Clinic.

“As a province, we are committed to ensuring Islanders have access to life-sustaining renal care services,” said Health Minister Robert Mitchell.

For more information about the Provincial Renal Program, visit www.healthpei.ca/dialysis.