Construction of Renal-health Dialysis Unit Underway in Berens River

November 26, 2010

Berens River — Construction has started on a new $5-million renal-health dialysis unit in Berens River, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced here today at a community meeting following a tour of the Chief Jacob Berens Mino-Ayaawin Health Centre.“Dealing with chronic kidney disease is especially difficult for families living in remote communities. That’s why we’ve made expanding renal-health services in rural and northern Manitoba a priority,” said Oswald. “In Berens River, people have had to move away to receive dialysis treatment in Winnipeg. When this station is up and running, people for whom community dialysis is safe and appropriate will be able to return home to their families.”

The new four-station, 5,727-square-foot renal-health dialysis unit will be attached to the Chief Jacob Berens Mino-Ayaawin Health Centre. Treatment and educational space essential for the prevention and early detection of renal disease have been included in the design.

“We are very excited about this project,” said Chief George Kemp of Berens River First Nation. “We have been watching with anticipation as it has started to take shape, knowing that it is going to make a big difference to the lives of people in our community. We’ve prepared for this by establishing housing in an eight-plex unit for our people who will be returning to the community for treatment.”

The North Eastman Health Association will operate the facility. “For people with kidney disease, dialysis is a matter of life and death,” said Judy Coleman, acting CEO of the association. “They require treatment multiple times per week. Having that treatment in their home community means they can remain close to their loved ones and social supports. We’re looking forward to the completion of this project so that we can begin helping people here at Berens River.”

“The Manitoba Renal Program strives to promote renal-health for all Manitobans. Of course, prevention of patients needing renal care is the true goal and victory,” Mauro Verrelli, medical director of the program said. “For individuals who do require dialysis, we work to support the patient’s medical needs in the most convenient manner possible. We are very pleased with the start of construction on the Berens River community dialysis unit.”

Elder Andrew Bittern, a dialysis patient and former chief and council member who had to leave the community for treatment said, “This dialysis unit is going to make a world of difference to my life. I am looking forward to receiving the care I need right here at home.”

This new state-of-the-art renal-health dialysis unit will be a Power Smart designated facility with special attention paid to indoor environmental quality, said Oswald. Construction began in September and is expected to be completed by October 2011.

“This important project demonstrates our government’s strong commitment to the ongoing expansion of health services for all Manitoba families,” said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson. “I wish to thank the community and all our partners for their tremendous work toward making dialysis service in Berens River a reality.”

The province has been committed to bringing life-sustaining dialysis treatment for those who need it closer to home over the past 10 years, Oswald added. New or expanded renal-health dialysis units are now located in Morden/Winkler, The Pas, Portage la Prairie, Garden Hill, Norway House, Swan River and Winnipeg with new dialysis units currently under construction in Gimli, Hodgson, Russell and Berens River.

The Manitoba government also continues to focus on reinforcing the importance of good renal health to prevent disease, said Oswald. Teams of healthy-living professionals working to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy-living services provided by regional health authorities were recently established. The teams provide a range of services as they expand regional diabetes assessment and treatment programs across the province including First Nation and Métis communities.

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