Plans are underway for the commissioning of the dialysis unit at the Owen King EU Hospital.
Recently, 12 newly-installed dialysis machines were tested, while the training and orientation of nurses in the dialysis unit commenced this week.
Seventeen new nurses were hired for the unit, and received training on the various pieces of equipment.
“The nurses were oriented to the new equipment,” Clinical Resource Nurse for the Dialysis Unit at the Victoria Hospital, Eliah Deterville explained. “We do not have at the Victoria Hospital some of the new equipment that is at the EU Hospital, so there is a need before the move, to train the nurses so that they are able to operate the equipment effectively. We’ve received training on the suction machine, the dialysis machine, the IV infusion pump, the ECG machine, and some other equipment. The intent is to develop a level of comfort when using the equipment.”
Biomedical Technician at the Victoria Hospital, Caillin Henry, stated that the equipment is ready for use, having undergone extensive testing and calibration by the equipment suppliers and installers.
“We worked with Renal Dynamics out of Orlando, Florida. The tests done were for the safety of the patients, as well as calibrations to ensure that all is in order.”
The Ministry of Health and Wellness projects significantly improved patient outcomes in the delivery of dialysis services. The dialysis unit at the EU Hospital will soon replace the services being offered at the Victoria Hospital.