Patients in Pictou County who require life-saving dialysis treatments are now able to receive care locally, following an expansion at Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital (SHMH) in Pictou.
The province has invested $3.58-million to grow the hospital’s renal dialysis unit, expanding from four stations to 12 and increasing capacity to treat up to 48 patients, to better serve the community.
Officials say the new space will provide a more comfortable and efficient environment for patients and staff, with modern equipment, a dedicated entrance, and updated electrical, water, and ventilation systems.
Staff say the unit currently treats about 19 patients and can accommodate up to 24 per day, with no waitlist in place.
“It really makes a difference for them to have this here in the community. Before we opened, the nearest dialysis was in Truro or Antigonish, so there’s a huge emotional and financial benefit,” says registered nurse Christa Maxwell.
For patient’s like Leonard Lowe of Hopewell, the new unit is a game-changer. “I used to travel three times a week to Truro for treatment,” said Lowe. “Now, I can get home sooner after my treatments. It’s made my life so much easier.”
The expansion project was funded under the 2023-24 capital plan, with support from the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital Foundation and Aberdeen Health Foundation.
Construction wrapped up last summer, and the expanded unit is now fully operational and accepting new patients as needed.
