U.S Medical School gifts GPHC and Private Hospital with Dialysis machines
(Georgetown, July 8, 2016) – The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the University of Vermont’s Medical School today donated eight Kidney Dialysis Machines to the GPHC and two to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
The 10 machines, valued at US$40,000 were handed over at a brief ceremony in the GPHC Kidney Dialysis Centre by FAO Coordinator, Dr. J.R. Deep Ford, a former professor of the Medical School.
Three of the Kidney Dialysis Machines which were donated
Dr. Ford explained that the donation of the dialysis machines was initiated by Guyanese and their friends having a conversation about the Health System in Guyana early in 2015. The need for more dialysis machines was highlighted during that conversation.
According to him, Dr. Virgina Hood, a Professor of Nephrology at the medical school, was present during that conversation and was the main architect in identifying and organising the donation of the machines.
Dr. Ford said that the dialysis machines will increase, in no small way, the capacity of Guyana’s health System to serve the many citizens suffering from kidneys that are damaged, dysfunctional or missing.
Meanwhile, Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton expressed gratitude to the medical school for their generous donation, pointing out that the machines will go a long way in strengthening Dialysis treatment at the GPHC.
The Kidney Dialysis Center at the GPHC has been in operation for four (4) years and offers both Peritoneal and Haemodialysis. Currently, 25 patients are receiving Peritoneal Dialysis and 22 patients are receiving haemodialysis at the centre.
The centre has two (2) specialists in peritoneal dialysis and three registered nurses along with four (4) nursing Assistants are involved in the administering of Haemodialysis.
Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton (left), reads the words engraved on the plaque, which was presented by the Ministry to the University of Vermont Medical School. Also in the photo is Representative of the Medical School, Dr. J.R. Deep Ford
Dr. Norton noted that with the addition of the eight machines, more patients needing dialysis can be accommodated at the centre.
“The GPHC Dialysis Centre continues to provide this life-saving procedure free of cost. However, there still exists a need to further build the capacity of the centre, and the Ministry of Public Health is committed to ensuring that this is done. We cannot do this alone, and therefore we are grateful for the support of the University of Vermont’s Medical School with the donation of eight (8) Dialysis Machines,” he stated.
The subject minister gave his assurance that proper care will be taken of the machines. He took the opportunity to urge persons to strive at all times to maintain healthy kidneys by having their blood and urine checked for kidney disease, and properly managing their diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.
Meanwhile, Acting CEO of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ms. Helen Browman said that they are grateful that the hospital was chosen to be the recipients of the 2 dialysis machines.
She thanked all those who were responsible for making the donation possible, and echoed the sentiment of other speakers that the donation will help to boost the capacity of the health system to provide dialysis.
The St. Joseph Mercy Hospital commenced offering Dialysis on March 15, 2016 with the help and support of the Doobay centre, as they recognized the need to expand such a service in Guyana.