BENTON — In an effort to improve access to the lifesaving benefits of kidney dialysis, Saline Memorial Hospital developed an inpatient dialysis program. Under the direction of physicians from Nephrology Associates, Saline Memorial Hospital will operate an inpatient dialysis unit in two designated locations within the hospital.
"Patients who require inpatient dialysis will no longer have to go out of Saline Countyfor care," said Randy Fortner, president and CEO. "With the addition of this new service, we are making it easier for patients to receive the care they need-close to home."
The unit will provide 24 - hour a day care and be staffed with licensed nurses who have received training in hemodialysis procedures, nutritional issues associated with acute renal failure and adverse reactions during hemodialysis.
Dialysis is primarily used toprovide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function due to renal failure. Dialysis may be used for patients who have suddenly but temporarily lost their kidney function or for stable patients who have permanently lost their kidney function.
A typical dialysis session takes four-five hours, three times a week.
For more information, visit www.salinememorial.org or call (501) 776-6764.
Tri-Lakes, Pages 127 on 08/23/2009