ST. LUCIA: The credit union donates toward the purchase of two new units that will increase the number of patients who can access dialysis treatment at Victoria Hospital.
The Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union made a donation of EC$150,000 to Victoria Hospital towards the purchase of two fully equipped dialysis units.The two units will increase the number of clients who can access dialysis treatment at the medical facility.
Victoria Hospital Executive Director Jeanette Hughes expressed gratitude to the credit union for its contribution.
“It is important to us that you have made a contribution towards a service which is very costly for the hospital; and for the clients it is a lifelong service. We welcome any resources that will help improve the lives of our clients.”
Consultant Nephrologist Dr. Merle Clarke, thanked the Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union for its support over the years, and explained that chronic kidney disease – one of the main complications of diabetes and hypertension – is the most common non-communicable disease on island.
“The treatment is extremely expensive especially for patients with stage five kidney disease who require renal replacement therapy, dialysis or hemodialysis. It is out of the reach of the average patient particularly without heavy government subsidies, and that cost does not include the cost of the medication patients require.”
President of the Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union, Adria Rose Sonson presented the cheque, and explained that during World Kidney Day, the credit union was informed of the long waiting list of persons to be dialyzed, the shortage of machines and the high cost of providing dialysis services. consequently, the union felt that the best contribution would be to donate towards the purchase of additional machines.
“This donation is dear to our hearts because among us are a few who are afflicted with kidney disease. If our society is affected, we are affected and so we hope to continue this partnership.”
The renal unit currently functions at maximum capacity with 66 patients per week.
