Kingston Public Hospital Receives 10 Hemodialysis Machines from the CHASE Fund
The Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) received 10 new hemodialysis machines, valued at over $30 Million to treat patients with advanced kidney failure. This brings the current number of hemodialysis machines at the hospital to 19. Hemodialysis machines filter wastes, salts, and fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer healthy enough to adequately perform this function.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the hospital today, Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said that these machines will improve healthcare for patients with kidney disease and also ensure that the Renal Unit functions optimally. He further explained that 40,000 people have stage 5 renal failure, and another 40,000 may have stage 4 renal failure, and they are in need of renal transplant or dialysis. “Even private and public hospitals would not be able to treat so many patients; more emphasis should be placed on preventative measures that include maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.”
The dialysis machines were financed by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund. The CHASE Fund also presented two new ambulances, valued approximately $33 million. The ambulances will be assigned to the Princess Margaret and Linstead Hospitals. Each ambulance is equipped with a stretcher, suction machines, oxygen, inverter, emergency LED lights and handwash station, among other emergency equipment and accessories.
Mr. Billy Heaven, Chief Executive Officer, CHASE Fund, speaking at the ceremony, expressed that CHASE Fund is committed to providing support to the healthcare sector through various projects. “The CHASE Fund team is very happy that we are able to play a significant part in a project that has improved other facilities as well as patient care.”
