In an effort to improve access to the lifesaving benefits of kidney dialysis, Saline Memorial Hospital recently developed an inpatient dialysis program. Under the direction of physicians from Nephrology Associates, SMH will operate an inpatient dialysis unit in two designated locations within the hospital. 

“Patients who require inpatient dialysis will no longer have to go out of Saline County for care,” said Randy Fortner, SMH President and CEO. “With the addition of this new service, we are making it easier for patients to receive the care they need-close to home.”

Highly specialized patient care will be provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The unit will be staffed with experienced, licensed nurses who have received training in hemodialysis procedures, nutritional issues associated with acute renal failure and adverse reactions during hemodialysis.

When might a patient require this service? Dialysis is primarily used to provide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function due to renal failure. Dialysis may be used for patients who have suddenly but temporarily lost their kidney function (acute renal failure) or for stable patients who have permanently lost their kidney function. 

“The two most common causes of kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes,” says Rhonda Lock, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager for Inpatient Dialysis at SMH.

A typical dialysis session takes four-five hours, three times a week. 

“Our inpatient dialysis rooms were designed with the comfort of patients in mind,” said Lock. “Here, patients can relax in comfortable recliners under the care of specially-trained nurses and receive the care they need without having to leave the hospital.”

For more information about the services offered at SMH, please call (501) 776-6764 to schedule a tour or visit the website at www.salinememorial.org.