Dryden Regional Health Centre (File Photo / Acadia Broadcasting)
The Ontario government has announced life-sustaining renal care closer to home by supporting Dryden Regional Health Centre with the planning, design, and implementation of the Satellite Renal Unit, expanding access to dialysis care in the region.
This investment will help save patients in the Dryden area from driving up to four hours, multiple times a week, to receive dialysis treatment in other communities, as the closest dialysis station is currently 400 km away in Thunder Bay.
“Our government heard the concerns of families in Northwestern Ontario, and we agree, constituents in Kenora-Rainy River deserve access to timely, top-quality health care without having to travel to great distances,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “Today’s announcement is welcomed news for patients and families, and for the team at Dryden Regional Health Centre.”
The investment will support the renovation of approximately 1,000 square feet of existing space at Dryden Regional Health Centre to accommodate a new four-station satellite dialysis unit, with room for expansion.
This unit will be a satellite location that is a part of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, which already operates satellite units in Kenora, Fort Frances, and Sioux Lookout.
“All Ontarians deserve to receive convenient care close to home, no matter where they live, said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment will enable patients in the Dryden area to connect to vital renal care in their community when they need it, and near loved ones.”
“This will have massive positive impacts on our communities and region and would not be possible without the support of Ontario Health, the Ministry of Health, the Northwest Ontario Renal Network and Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre.” said Doreen Armstrong-Ross, President and Chief Executive Officer at Dryden Regional Health Centre.
“I am extremely proud of the work that DRHC has put into this project; the addition of hemodialysis to the roster of services available locally in Dryden will make a significant difference in the lives of renal patients and their families who currently have to travel frequently to other communities or relocate all together for this life-sustaining treatment. Our communities have asked us to offer these services, and we are so pleased that we can now answer that call.”
