With the Easter holiday season fast approaching, Life Rosepark Hospital is encouraging renal dialysis patients to consider holiday dialysis, allowing them to travel to their holiday destinations and still have their dialysis treatment.
According to a statement by Life Healthcare, Easter is one of the major holiday seasons on the South African calendar and provides people with the opportunity to take a break and relax with family and friends.
However, for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or kidney failure, this season is often rarely enjoyed as it seems impossible to go on holiday due to the daily or weekly renal dialysis treatments that are needed to maintain their health. According to the latest statistics published ahead of World Kidney Day (12 March), a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidney health it is estimated that approximately 14% of adults suffer from kidney disease in sub-Sahara Africa
“A lot of patients with kidney diseases feel trapped or restricted in their daily activities because of the need to remain in close proximity to their renal dialysis facility. At Life Rosepark Hospital we are committed to providing patients from various regions with easy access to their dialysis treatments, particularly during the Easter holiday season,” says Thabo Booysen, unit manager of the dialysis unit at the hospital.
Patients are required to book their dialysis treatment sessions in advance by following these steps:
- Contact the Life Renal Dialysis unit of your preference to schedule a booking with the unit manager. Visit the Life Renal Dialysis webpage for a unit contact list:
- Provide the Life Renal Dialysis unit with the following documents at least two weeks before commencement of treatment:
- ID/Passport
- Medical aid card (if applicable)
- Latest virology studies including urine and sputum MC&S results (as per infection prevention and control policies)
- Latest pathology results (Hb, U&E must be included)
- Referring doctor prescription/special orders (including iron and EPO)
- Completed Patient Holiday Document (obtained from your current Life Renal Dialysis unit or the Life Renal Dialysis unit which you wish to access)
- If you are a member of a medical aid, the Life Renal Dialysis unit you have booked your treatment with will obtain the medical aid authorisation from your medical scheme. Alternatively, if you are private paying patient a quotation will be provided, and payment will need to be settled before treatment commences.
The statement also reads that “Our newest dialysis unit at Life Peglerae Hospital in Rustenburg, North West Province has opened. Patients considering a visit to the Pilansberg National Park or Sun City can now schedule their dialysis at the Life Renal Dialysis unit at Life Peglerae Hospital and enjoy their holiday with family and friends.”
For more information on holiday dialysis at a Life Renal Dialysis units, call 011-219-9626/9720.
