Kelowna dialysis unit moving to new location with more space for patients

The Kelowna Community Dialysis Unit is moving to a new location to offer more people with access to the service.

Starting August 26, the unit will be operating at 102-1835 Gordon Drive.

“The expansion of the Kelowna Community Dialysis Unit will significantly enhance dialysis care in the Central Okanagan,’ Health Minister Adrian Dix, said.

“By increasing service capacity, we are addressing the growing demand for dialysis treatment in the community.”

The new unit will have 11 chairs, up from eight previously offered, and the new space also has the potential to increase its capacity to 14 chairs depending on demand.

There will also be outpatient dialysis treatment offered to medically stable and independent patients.

Interior Health said this expansion will see up to 8,736 dialysis treatments provided to Central Okanagan residents each year.

“Expanding the Kelowna Community Dialysis Unit is an important step forward in enhancing dialysis care in the region. Increasing the capacity means there will be shorter transition wait times and we will have the ability to accommodate more patients, which is essential given the rising prevalence of kidney disease,” Susan Brown, president and CEO of Interior Health, stated.

“This investment not only improves patient outcomes, but also supports the broader health-care system by providing timely and efficient health care.”

The new unit will also allow nurses to train patients for home dialysis, reducing the need for people to travel to Kelowna General Hospital for this initial training.

The relocation and necessary renovations for the new dialysis unit is costing $4.399-million, which is being funded by B.C. Renal. The KGH Foundation also contributed $90,000 to the new unit for local artwork, furniture, emotional support pet beds, bariatric hemodialysis chairs, and additional comforts to the waiting and hybrid rooms.

“In addition to ensuring access to life-saving dialysis care for current and future patients, this expansion project supports uptake of independent/home-based dialysis therapies, which offer a range of benefits including a more flexible schedule, enhanced ability to travel and overall health outcomes and quality of life,” Dr. Adeera Levin, Executive Director of B.C. Renal, said.

“B.C. Renal applauds the Interior Health Renal Program for their commitment to improving coordination of care and empowering patients to be active players in managing their disease.”