Hospital’s renal unit celebrates 20 years

A doctors’ vision, a couple of tatty recliners and a yearning to make a positive impact on the lives of those living with chronic kidney disease and failure was celebrated on November 21.

For the past 20 years, Life The Glynnwood Hospital’s Renal Dialysis unit, which forms part of 31 units under the Life umbrella, has been changing the lives of the patients in its care.

Currently boasting with 45 stations, which run three dialysis shifts throughout the day, the department, its nursing staff, highly trained, respected nephrologists and its multi-disciplinary team of experts, strive to treat every patient holistically, contributing to their quality of life.

Speaking at the anniversary of the unit, Dr Vakhtang Rekhviashvili, one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the unit and who is still active in patient care, said it was vital that patients with kidney disease to have access to good quality care and support to help them manage an often chronic and potentially life-threatening disease, effectively.

“Treatment such as dialysis is life-saving, but also life-changing. Patients rely on us to help them navigate be disease,” he said.

“Treatment started at the unit in 2003 with one patient. It has since grown in leaps and bounds, providing state-of-the-art care for more than 175 patients.”

Taking a moment to reflect on the growth and expansion of the unit, Reshma Patel, national manager for renal dialysis said technological advancements in the industry have played a huge role in the treatment of patients.

However, it is the unit’s staff that have contributed to its success.

For the past two and a half years, Roslyn Stark has been receiving weekly care at the unit.

“Being diagnosed with kidney as well as heart failure was a shock,” she said.

“Shortly thereafter, I contracted Covid, which led to my health deteriorating at a rapid speed. Thanks to the care at the renal unit, my health and quality of life has improved greatly.

“The nursing staff and doctors view me as an individual, ensuring I receive everything I need. This journey with them has been a blessing.”

Taking to the podium, hospital manager Hendrik Swartz said it is a privilege to be the home of a team of highly-experienced specialists and nurses who have been part of the Life Renal Dialysis unit from day one.

“Many sufferers of chronic diseases are frequently admitted to hospital. Our aim is to provide the best possible dialysis therapy to reduce the frequency of hospitalisation, resulting in better overall patient health and cost to funders,” he said.

“We are proud of the level of care offered at the unit and look forward to its growth.”

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