by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN) — Posts making the rounds on social media have been suggesting that access to hemodialysis treatment at the Joseph N France General Hospital has been limited.
During the February 02, 2021 edition of Leadership Matters, the question about access to the dialysis machines came about and in addressing the concern, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris indicated he knew of no reason why anyone would be denied access to treatment.
According to the post, the accusation suggested that close to five persons had been denied access to dialysis treatment at the hospital.
Dialysis is a treatment that filters and purifies the blood using a machine that helps in balancing fluids and electrolytes when the kidneys cannot do the job. People who have suffered from kidney failure, extraction, or implantation require dialysis.
Medical Chief of Staff at the Joseph N France General Hospital, Dr. Cameron Wilkinson, outlined the criteria for access to dialysis.
There are currently 30 patients who receive dialysis and according to Wilkinson.
The dialysis unit initially started some six years ago, originally started with four dialysis machines, and upgraded to six machines. Dr. Wilkinson mentioned that to accommodate the number of people needing dialysis, there are plans to increase the number to eight machines in the near future.
