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Dialysis treatment close to home |
Southeastern Renal Dialysis began as a corporation in April 1997. The corporation consists of Henry County Health Center, Great River Medical Center, Fort Madison Community Hospital and Keokuk Area Hospital. It is the continuation of care that was established by HCHC for patients with endstage renal disease. The Unit's staff consists of a Medical Director, registered nurses and patient care technicians who have specialized training in the care and treatment of renal dialysis patients. What Is Dialysis?Hemodialysis is required for people whose kidneys are no longer functioning. The hemodialysis process uses an artificial kidney to do what the body's natural kidneys do--filter metabolic products and toxins from the blood. Kidneys help control blood pressure and mineral and bone formation, and they play a role in controlling red blood cell production. No one can survive without either functioning kidneys or renal dialysis. During hemodialysis, the patient's blood enters the dialyzer which contains hundreds of tiny, hollow fibers that resemble straws. Microscopic "holes" on the sides of the fibers allow the very small waste particles in the blood to pass through. The necessary components of the blood, such as red blood cells, are too large to pass through these tiny holes; therefore the blood does not lose its valuable properties during this process. Most patients receive two to three treatments per week, lasting approximately three to four hours each. While their blood is being treated, patients may read, write letters, do handwork, visit with other patients and ask questions and discuss their treatment with staff. Although there are many reasons for kidney failure, the two primary causes are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). A person may require renal dialysis at any age. Appropriate diet is an integral part of treatment for patients who undergo dialysis. They need to maintain good nutrition while reducing their intake of salt, potassium and phosphorous. Daily vitamins and iron and calcium supplements are required. Exercise is encouraged and is an important part of managing the patient's overall health. Individualized ProgramSingle Patient System Hemodialysis
Dialyzer and length of treatment determined according to urea kinetic modeling. Days of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, hours according to patient needs. When appropriate, patients are trained on the use of Peritoneal Dialysis to be used as a form of home dialysis. An Emphasis on Patient Comfort
The Health Care TeamThe care of each dialysis patient at the Southeastern Renal Dialysis Unit is individually planned and developed using the "total team" concept. A patient's health care team includes: Physician: Thomas Bainbridge, M.D., is the Unit's Medical Director and is a board-certified nephrologist who oversees the patient's treatment and monitors his or her progress. Dr. Bainbridge is assisted by David Wadell, M.D. at the Keokuk location. Nurses: Our nurses provide assessment of patients and provide responses to each treatment. They also coordinate treatment approach of the health care team. Technicians: Have an active role as members of the team, assisting the nurse with patient care and maintenance of a safe environment. Dietitian: Key individual who works directly with each patient and his or her family to integrate dietary needs and preferences. Social Workers: Close the gap between needs and resources. They play a major part in helping maintain psychosocial stability. Our PhilosophyWe believe in patient education regarding kidney function, disease mechanisms, diet and dialysis treatments. This allows informed decision making by patients and active participation in their own health care. Our goal is to achieve a working partnership between care providers and patients to optimize health and quality of life. Since our hemodialysis patients spend at least six to twelve hours at the Unit each week, we develop friendships and place importance on the social aspect of treatment. Therefore, activities are offered both during treatment and outside the unit. Some popular activities such as bingo and picnics are planned and organized regularly for the patients and their families. |
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