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No decision has been made about mobile dialysis service

Dear Editor, Re: Woodlands councillors concerned about future of mobile dialysis service (Barrhead Leader, July 26, 2016) Alberta Health Services (AHS) would like to acknowledge the concerns in the community regarding the future of the mobile dialysi

Dear Editor,

Re: Woodlands councillors concerned about future of mobile dialysis service (Barrhead Leader, July 26, 2016)

Alberta Health Services (AHS) would like to acknowledge the concerns in the community regarding the future of the mobile dialysis service, which serves patients in Whitecourt and Hinton.

Since 2008, the mobile dialysis unit has provided vital and necessary treatment to a small group of people in those two communities, ensuring those patients receive their dialysis treatment without having to travel significant distances from their homes.

In that time, the bus has made more than 31,000 trips to Whitecourt and Hinton, and has proved invaluable to those who need the mobile service. It currently serves 10 patients, visiting Hinton every Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and Whitecourt every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

It is true that the bus is nearing the end of its mechanical life – it has driven almost one million kilometres, and is prone to breaking down. In addition, bad winter weather can hinder the mobile service, and we apologize for any occurrences when the bus was unable to travel.

We understand that some members of the community are concerned that the dialysis bus service will end when a new permanent six station dialysis unit opens in the new Edson Health Care Centre.

However, it is important to note that no decision regarding the future of the dialysis bus has been made at this time. Any future decisions with regards to the dialysis bus will involve input from the community.

AHS is committed to ensuring that patients who need renal dialysis receive that service as close to their homes as possible. That will continue, now and in the future.

Regards,

Deb Gordon

Vice President and Chief Health

Operations Officer, Northern Alberta, AHS

Dr. David Mador

Vice President and Medical Director,

Northern Alberta, AHS

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