Levin dialysis service opens

Levin’s new dialysis service has got the seal of approval from one of its first patients.

Four new renal haemodialysis chairs have been installed at the Horowhenua Health Centre and were opened this week.

Pat Hepi was one of the first people to receive dialysis in Levin and said it made a huge difference.

‘‘People who used to get up first thing in the morning to catch a shuttle to Palmerston North can now drive a few minutes down the road, or even walk in some cases.’’

Previously, patients had to travel to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment.

‘‘For those of us getting haemodialysis three times a week, it makes a big difference to remove that extra travel time. This really is a big improvement for Horowhenua patients using the service,’’ Hepi said.

However, because of the centre’s size and lack of renal specialist on site, only patients who are stable are able to use the service.

Hepi was one consulted.

‘‘Until you’ve sat in that dialysis chair and gone through the treatment, you can’t truly understand what it’s like. of the patients

‘‘I am really pleased that I could be part of the process to bring this to our community here in Horowhenua.’’

Midcentral District Health Board hospital services operations director Lyn Horgan was pleased to see the service up and running.

‘‘We are always looking for ways to help people receive care closer to home and the three dialysis chairs now at Horowhenua Health Centre will play a big part in this for renal patients.’’

Though there are four chairs, only three machines will be in operation at a time, with one as a spare.

Removing the need to travel to Palmerston North several times a week would make a big difference, Horgan said.