The North Wellington Health Care (NWHC) board of directors met recently to discuss increased dialysis services at Palmerston and District Hospital (PDH) as well as the upcoming retirement of a key staff member.
Grand River Hospital Regional Renal Program and NWHC worked together to add a seventh dialysis station at the PDH site using current infrastructure and equipment available.
“Minor additions were needed to respond to a recent increase in demand for dialysis,” states Tom Sullivan, NWHC board chair. “The addition of a seventh station will mean two additional patients living in our community will receive quality care close to home, rather than remaining on the wait list and travelling to Kitchener for treatment.”
Dialysis is a life-support treatment to filter harmful wastes, salt, and excess fluid from blood.
It is used primarily as an artificial replacement for lost kidney function in people with certain kidney conditions.
Diane Wilkinson retiring
NWHC Board Members recognized the achievements of Diane Wilkinson, vice-president patient care services and chief nursing executive for NWHC and Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH).
“Diane is known for her leadership, strong work ethic and staunch commitment to quality patient care,” said Sullivan.
“She has collaborated with partners both locally and regionally to advocate and ensure our rural area residents receive the best health care and support possible. Diane will be missed and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Wilkinson has been with NWHC and GMCH since January 2008 and will retire on Nov. 6.
