Permanent dialysis clinic opens at local healthcare centre

WHITECOURT – A permanent dialysis clinic inside the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre opens today, expanding dialysis treatment and ensuring residents living in Whitecourt and surrounding areas have improved access to kidney care.

“Building a new permanent dialysis unit at the Whitecourt Health Centre means patients can receive this lifesaving treatment in a more comfortable, spacious and reliable setting. It also has room to add new patients as needs in the community change. This investment is a great example of our government’s work to improve health care by providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” says Health Minister Sarah Hoffman.

Previously, local individuals needing hemodialysis received treatment on the Northern Alberta Renal Program’s mobile dialysis bus, which would visit the community three times per week.

“Alberta Health Services (AHS) is pleased to be able to continue to deliver dialysis services to individuals in the Whitecourt area as close to home as possible,” says AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu. “Having the clinic inside the hospital allows us to serve patients in a more private and comfortable environment.”

With three stations at the clinic, patient capacity will be increased from five per day to six per day, three days per week.

The new treatment space will improve the patient experience and be large enough to allow patients to visit with family and friends while they have their dialysis treatments, which can take up to four hours.

This fall, AHS will be inviting patients, families and community members to attend a grand opening celebration of the clinic.

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.

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