I am delighted to be here today to officially open the New Renal Dialysis Unit at Sligo General Hospital. I would like to thank the Health Service Executive and, in particular, its Chief Officer in the North West, Mr Pat Dolan for extending this invitation to me.
Today represents an important milestone as regards the delivery of renal services within the North West region. Serving a catchment population of approximately 100,000, Sligo General Hospital offers dialysis to patients with End Stage Renal Disease from Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan and North Roscommon.
I know that the improvement and expansion of services for patients with kidney disease in the region has been a key priority for the hospital and local community over the past number of years.
In response to this demand, a new renal unit for Sligo General Hospital was included in the current NDP programme. Today we witness the physical manifestation of that commitment.
This new state-of-the-art unit has been built and equipped at a capital cost of €2 million, funded by the Exchequer. It will provide 11 dialysis stations, with facilities for patients receiving home dialysis and for those needing isolation. It provides significantly greater space, comfort and privacy for dialysis patients than the previous 5-station unit, which has been in place since 1985.
Not alone will this unit enhance the current level of care provided to patients on dialysis, it will also promote renewed enthusiasm amongst the staff who I know are dedicated to excellence in renal healthcare delivery. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to you for your professionalism over the years. Your commitment to your patients is a source of comfort and relief to so many.
I would also like to pay tribute to the local groups who have raised significant funds for this unit over the years. I know that the “One Mind Club” representing local volunteers raised some £51,000 Pounds for this unit in 1985. Furthermore, I know that a further £22,000 Pounds was raised in conjunction with the Sligo Champion under editor Séamus Finn. Due to your hard work and energy, you can see the fruits of your success today. Your commitment has witnessed the development of this top-class facility for all of the people in the locality.
The development of renal services has been identified as a key service priority. Dialysis is a life saving technique for people with kidney function impairment. It is a treatment for life, unless the patient receives a successful kidney transplant.
I recognise that the optimal treatment for a patient with end stage renal disease (ESRD) is a life saving transplant as it offers the best survival and quality of life. That said, one of the main issues concerning transplants, is that the supply of donor kidneys from the traditional source is not meeting demand. The Health Strategy commitment to further develop organ transplantation services to increase organ donation and utilisation rates is being progressed. In this context, the Health Service Executive has been asked to undertake a review and analysis of any factors that impact on organ procurement and retrieval rates in hospitals around the country.
As regards dialysis, I know that in former years, it was offered only to those patients who were younger and generally deemed fit for treatment. However, in recent years, the treatment has no longer been limited by age with resulting substantial increases in acceptance rates for dialysis. This is consistent with international trends.
Between 1998 and 2004 for example, the number of patients on dialysis has increased from 641 to 1,210. The projected increase in the number of new dialysis patients is expected to be between 10% and 15% per annum for the foreseeable future. There are many reasons for this large increase, including greater levels of obesity, increased numbers of diabetics requiring dialysis and increased longevity in the population.
Since 2000, significant additional revenue funding totalling €28 million, has been provided by the Government to support the development of renal services nationally in response to increased demand. This includes an additional €8 million provided in the current year. Furthermore, the development of services in this region is evidenced by the appointment of a Consultant Nephrologist last March. I know that there has been considerable increase in clinical activity since then, with many development plans also in progress.
Given the anticipated growth in the demand for renal services, it is important that the necessary infrastructure is in place to meet the challenges ahead. Against this background, a National Review of Renal Services is to be undertaken by the Health Services Executive. The work of the Review Group, which is being chaired by Dr Liam Plant from Cork University Hospital, will help to inform decisions on the future development of renal services on a regional and national basis.
I am confident that today’s opening will enable the continued development of the renal services provided by Sligo General Hospital.
Before I conclude, I would also like to mention that today is cause for celebration for all involved with this hospital on another front as well. Only this week, approval was granted for the reconfiguration of the Emergency Department here at Sligo General Hospital. Having been built prior to the evolution of Emergency Medicine as a speciality and before the appointment of any Consultant in Emergency Medicine to this hospital, it was recognised that the current Emergency Department does not meet with today’s standards and needs.
A small working group was commissioned to review the current layout of the Department and a detailed design brief has now been finalised. This reconfiguration will lead to enhanced Customer Service - better quality of service to patients, more efficient flow of patients through the Department and shorter waiting times. It is in line with the Minister for Health and Children’s Ten Point Action Plan in addressing Emergency Department Services nationally.
As is clear, both of these developments represents yet further steps forward in the delivery of a healthcare system that is capable of meeting patients’ needs in the 21st century. These enhanced facilities will ensure Sligo General Hospital is efficient, responsive, accountable and accessible in line with the key objectives of the National Health Strategy “Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You”.
I congratulate all involved for their commitment to Sligo General Hospital.
Thank you.
ENDS