The Lloydminster dialysis file has been updated with the completion of the design phase. Dialysis was discussed by a panel of Saskatchewan Health Authority leaders, at a community health meeting in Lloyd in September. Panel members are also working on updating the Lloydminster Integrated Health Services and Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment. Source File Photo
The design phase of the planned relocation and expansion of renal dialysis services in Lloydminster is now complete with construction expected to start later this year.
The milestone achievement, which was announced by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) last Thursday, is welcome news to project advocates.
“Nearly three years ago, dialysis expansion was identified as one of our group’s top 12 priorities,” said Paul Richer, chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council.
“There will be much to celebrate at the grand opening.”
Currently, Lloydminster hemodialysis operates at the Lloydminster Hospital with five stations, allowing treatments for 20 patients per week.
The dialysis unit will expand to six stations serving 24 patients. The new unit will be built to be fully functional for nine stations and 36 patients to respond to increased patient needs in the future, should funding to operate these stations be secured.
“We are perpetually a central health service area between Edmonton and Saskatoon, and to have this service recognize the future needs and capability for up to nine chairs is significant,” said Richer.
This project will involve local renal dialysis services moving from Lloydminster Hospital to the Community Health Services Building adjacent to the hospital at 3830 43 Ave.
“We know that travelling for medical needs can be a burden to rural patients and their families,” said Tracy Delorme, interim executive director of Alberta Kidney Care North.
“Receiving treatment close to home helps decrease the burden of travel and improves the quality of life for our patients.
“We are very grateful to all the stakeholders involved in making this expansion of capacity in Central Zone possible.”
Lloydminster Region Health Foundation CEO, Stephanie Munro, is also first pumping the air knowing the project is moving steadily forward.
“Our organization, donors and patients are thrilled to see we are one step closer to seeing the doors of a new dialysis unit for our community open,” said Munro.
“This project has been years in the making and to see it coming to fruition after various setbacks is truly encouraging.”
The original location within Prairie North Centre was deemed unsuitable in late 2022, which led to the current project site.
To make way for construction, the Lloydminster Home Care office relocated from the Community Health Services Building to the Prairie North Centre last month.
The dialysis project has received $4.25 million in funding from the Alberta government’s Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program.
The health foundation also plans to provide additional financial support from its donors with funding details to be released as the project progresses.
AHS and the SHA will continue to update the community as further details about this project become available.
Richer, meanwhile, is also excited about a new Health Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment for Lloydminster in the works with input and approval from both provincial health authorities.
He expects it should be completed in 2025 or early 2026.
“This document will be most useful in identifying future needs of this region,” said Richer including what use the hospital will make of the space once the dialysis chairs are relocated.
Richer says the Lloydminster Hospital is built and sized for a population of 15,500, so floor space is well beyond a premium.
“Our group looks forward to the SHA plans to utilize this valuable floor space once it becomes available in early 2025 with the expected relocation of the dialysis unit,” he said.
