WHEREAS kidney dialysis treatment for the entire northwestern area of British Columbia is currently conducted out of the cities of Prince George and Terrace; AND WHEREAS those who are in need of dialysis must move from their communities in order to be treated, causing disruption within the family and disruption in the lifestyle: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities lobby the Ministry of Health to ensure that services for kidney dialysis are available in local communities.
Ministry of Health Services Response The British Columbia Provincial Renal Agency BCPRA, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority PHSA, ensures that quality, cost efficient care is being provided in a comprehensive, province-wide care model of dialysis delivery and pre dialysis care. The BCPRA coordinates these services in collaboration with each health authority. To increase treatment capacity and access, the Government of B.C. recently invested 4.3 million in capital equipment. This includes 13 new dialysis machines, 61 replacement reverse osmosis and dialysis machines and 49 new machines for independent dialysis, allowing 49 patients to receive care at home. Since 2001, BC has increased the number of hospital, clinic and home-based dialysis stations by 66 percent in 18 communities across the province. Having a dialysis unit in every community is not feasible or sustainable, given the significant human resources and support services required. A range of criteria developed in partnership with all health authorities and the renal community, including sufficient patient volumes, availability of human resource, availability of physical space and access to support services, must be met for a dialysis unit to be developed in a small community. For the communities which do not meet the criteria, including Smithers, home-based dialysis provided province-wide since 2004 is an excellent option that can provide improved health outcomes.