A “renewed and refreshed” space for dialysis patients
Patients who receive dialysis spend many hours in treatment, visiting the dialysis centres at St. Joe’s multiple times a week. Thanks to generous donations to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation to kick-start renovations at the Charlton Campus hemodialysis clinic, patients will spend this time in a more comfortable and inviting space.
“I receive exceptional care here and I look forward to coming to a renewed and refreshed centre,” shares Maureen Williams, who began dialysis after suffering a heart attack that led to kidney failure. She has received her treatments at Charlton three times a week for the past three years.
The redesigned clinic will feature amenities such as new patient lounges, accessible washrooms, exam rooms, and designated assistive device parking, as well as design features such as updated flooring and wall treatments.
“With the changes, I’m most excited for the patients. They spend a lot of time here – most patients get treatment three to four days a week for about three to four hours each visit. I think your environment and surroundings influence your well-being so this is really about trying to make sure they have the best experience possible,” says Patrick McCaffery, Charge Nurse, Hemodialysis at St. Joe’s.
During construction, sections of the Charlton dialysis clinic will be closed and care for many of the patients has been moved to the King Campus or Six Nations Dialysis Treatment Program located at White Pines Wellness Centre. Some patients are continuing to receive treatment at the Charlton Campus.
As of September 18, 2018, the Six Nations Dialysis Treatment Program has doubled its capacity by expanding operations from three days per week to six. This permanent expansion gives patients in the Ohsweken community and beyond access to dialysis care closer to home. It is also helping to accommodate some patients who need to have their treatment moved as a result of the redevelopment at Charlton.
To add your support in the final phase of fundraising for the redevelopment project, visit stjoesfoundation.ca/donate.