The Olds Gazette Marlene Campbell has been waiting for this moment for years. The news that Olds Hospital will be the future home to a new satellite dialysis unit couldn't have come at a better time for Campbell, who has bravely battled renal disease for nearly 22 years. The dialysis unit is a pilot project in conjunction with the Calgary Regional Health Authority, who will be funding it through a southern Alberta provincial program. In the spring of 2000, Campbell and Jorgensen joined Marz in presenting a 5000 name petition to Minister of Health and Wellness Gary Mar in Edmonton to lobby for a dialysis machine for patients in central Alberta.
Renal disease is of or near the kidneys, with diabetes being the most common form.
McBain added that cases of renal disease in Alberta are increasing due to people living longer and a higher elderly population in the province. Marz said that although the new machine is part of a pilot project, the co-operation between health districts will set a precedent for future collaborations. To e-mail questions, comments or suggestions to Olds Gazette, click on the red graphic above.