AHS to open "mini" dialysis units in Whitecourt and Hinton

Six-station dialysis unit will also partially open at new Edson Healthcare Centre

WHITECOURT/HINTON/EDSON – Dialysis patients in Whitecourt and Hinton will continue to receive dialysis treatment close to home, with Alberta Health Services (AHS) adding two “mini” satellite dialysis units in those communities.

The project will ensure those patients receive renal dialysis treatment close to home when the current mobile dialysis bus is decommissioned, preserving local dialysis services that have been in place for eight years.

AHS will also partially open the six-station dialysis unit at the new Edson Healthcare Centre, allowing up to six dialysis patients to dialyze closer to home.

“We understand the importance of receiving care and treatment as close to home and to loved ones as possible. We look forward to opening these two units in Whitecourt and Hinton, and are pleased to be able to provide this level of comfort to our patients concerned about any loss of dialysis service in those two communities,” said Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO, AHS.

“Dialysis patients have been anxious for a solution and MLAs Rosendahl and Carlier have been tirelessly advocating for a plan that meets their needs. I have been clear in my intention to support healthcare delivery in Whitecourt by expanding service levels there, and this plan supports that goal,” said Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman.

“By preserving dialysis in Whitecourt and Hinton, this is further evidence of our government’s commitment to rural health care delivery.”

The decision to develop the two “mini” satellite units follows significant engagement with dialysis patients in Whitecourt and Hinton, including face-to-face meetings to discuss their care needs now and in the future.

“We listened to our patients, and we are pleased that we were able to find a solution that met their needs,” said Dr. Yiu. “We are grateful for the input of both our patients and local community advocates, and will continue to update the communities as planning progresses.”

The mobile dialysis bus has served patients in Whitecourt and Hinton since 2008, and is nearing the end of its lifespan. The bus has travelled close to one million kilometres and has broken down several times over the years.

AHS is currently working to finalize timelines, and will share further information when we have it. Work will be required to develop the dialysis units within the Whitecourt and Hinton healthcare centres. AHS also needs to recruit and train nurses in hemodialysis.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

-30-