The new hemodialysis unit is expected to be operational by early 2022. (Elliott Knopp/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Dialysis Unit

Meadow Lake Hospital expected to begin building hemodialysis unit this summer

Jun 16, 2021 | 6:43 PM

Residents with kidney disease in Northwest Saskatchewan could begin receiving treatment much closer to home as soon as 2022.

In a media release, the Saskatchewan Health Authority announced Wednesday that RNF Ventures Ltd. was awarded a construction contract to build a new hemodialysis unit in Meadow Lake Hospital. The unit is said to be approximately 3,101 sq. ft. in size with six hemodialysis units that can treat up to 12 patients.

In the release, Trade and Export minister and Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison stated residents are currently forced to travel to Lloydminster, North Battleford, Prince Albert or Saskatoon to receive their dialysis treatments.

“This much anticipated expansion of our local hospital will bring this life-sustaining treatment here to our community and better protect the lives and livelihoods of local patients with kidney disease,” Harrison said.

Around $2.4 million of the expansion is being covered by the Government of Saskatchewan while the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Indigenous Services Canada are putting forward another $1.05 million.

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Meadow Lake Tribal Council Tribal Chief Richard Ben explained the addition will help with the high rates of diabetes and other health complications the community is facing today.

“We have soaring rates of diabetes and complications that will now be mitigated by services offered close to home,” he said.

“This not only helps the individuals but greatly assists the families who are both active supports and caregivers. Diabetes is a family and community issue that will now have services extended closer to home.”

Patients who require hemodialysis treatments typically need three treatments per week with each treatment procedure lasting up to four or five hours.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp