Huron Regional Medical Center Serves First Dialysis Patients In New Location
The Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) dialysis unit opened to its first patients on Friday, June 30 in the newly expanded dialysis center at 142 Third Street SE in Huron. The new 12-chair unit features a single-level entrance, sophisticated water system, dedicated entertainment stations for each patient, windows providing natural light and isolation rooms to be used in the event of illness. Dialysis services were previously located in the Central Towers building at HRMC.
The eight-month long renovation began in November 2022 when the HRMC board of directors made the determination to complete the $2.45 million project to expand local access to dialysis. The decision to expand was a result of an aging water system and ongoing challenges to meet the need for dialysis in the community. Upwards of fourteen people were once on the waiting list for the service as the previous unit housed seven treatment chairs, serving 21 patients per week. The new unit can support up to 36 patients per week.
Joel Fischer, who undergoes dialysis treatment three times per week at HRMC, knows firsthand the benefit of the expansion and upgrade as he was required to travel out of town for the service for a period of time, “Situations like that really make you appreciate having dialysis available here in Huron.”
Fischer, who was among the first patients to receive treatment in the new dialysis unit, noted the ease of walking into the new, one-level unit and the measures taken to ensure comfort while undergoing treatment. While he mentioned a fondness for the memories in the previous unit, he is appreciative to begin this new chapter with the group of patients and dialysis staff with which he has developed camaraderie. “I’ve lived in this community my whole life. If I have one thing to say, it’s thank you to the many people who have supported this project.”
To support the availability of this vital service, a special capital campaign committee of the HRMC Foundation has committed to raise $1.2 million to support the project. To date, just over $500,00 has been raised, with the campaign set to end in September.
During dialysis, a machine takes over the responsibility of filtering waste from the blood, which is a life-saving treatment for people with damaged kidneys. Those living with kidney disease are at risk for serious complications including heart disease, damage to the central nervous system and an increased risk of infection due to compromised immune function.
If you have questions about dialysis services, please call Jennifer Jungemann, HRMC director of dialysis at 605-353-6308. If you are interested in supporting the HRMC Foundation’s dialysis endowment or capital campaign, please contact Levi Kary, HRMC Foundation executive director at 605-353-6319 or foundation@huronregional.org.