Life Robinson urges patients to consider holiday dialysis
The Life Renal Dialysis unit based at Life Robinson Private Hospital to accommodate visiting patients.
Life Renal Dialysis encouraged renal dialysis patients to consider holiday dialysis, allowing them to travel to a holiday destination and still have their dialysis treatment.
According to Anette Gouws, Life Renal Dialysis unit manager, the holiday season is a time to get away, relax and unwind with family and friends. However, for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure, going on holiday may seem impossible because of the daily or weekly renal dialysis treatments they require to keep their kidneys functioning.
She said approximately 14 per cent of adults suffer from kidney disease in sub-Sahara Africa, many of whom may feel trapped or restricted in their daily activities because of the need to remain in close proximity to their renal dialysis facility.
“Holiday dialysis allows dialysis patients to travel away from their nearest dialysis unit and receive treatment at any other Life Renal Dialysis unit. This allows patients from any dialysis treatment centre out of the province to book their chronic renal dialysis treatment sessions at our Life Renal Dialysis unit.”
She added that renal dialysis patients, whether being treated at a Life Renal Dialysis unit or not, can make use of their holiday dialysis service at any of their 23 chronic Life Renal Dialysis units across South Africa.
Availability is however, dependent on the current renal unit schedule. Patients are required to book their dialysis treatment sessions in advance by following these steps:
1. Contact the Life Renal Dialysis unit of your preference to schedule a booking with the unit manager. Visit the Life Renal Dialysis web page for a unit contact list:
2. Provide the Life Renal Dialysis unit with the following documents at least two weeks before commencement of treatment:
• ID / Passport
• Medical aid card (if applicable)
• Latest virology studies including urine and sputum MC&S results (as per infection prevention and control policies)
• Latest pathology results (Hb, U&E must be included)
• Referring doctor prescription/ special orders (including iron and EPO)
• Completed Patient Holiday Document (obtained from your current Life Renal Dialysis unit or the Life Renal Dialysis unit which you wish to access)
3. If you are a member of a medical aid, the Life Renal Dialysis unit you have booked your treatment with will obtain the medical aid authorisation from your medical scheme. Alternatively, if you are a private paying patient a quotation will be provided and payment will need to be settled before treatment commences.
For more information on holiday dialysis at the Life Renal Dialysis based at Life Robinson Private Hospital, contact 011 278 8700.
