QEH concerned about high demand for dialysis

By Anesta Henry

The Artificial Kidney Unit (AKU) of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is overwhelmed with dialysis patients, the youngest being 15 years old, and the increased demand for that treatment is an indication of rising instances of kidney disease.

That’s according to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the QEH Dr Christine Greenidge who said the unit delivers treatment to 170 patients monthly and records five to six new patients in that same period.

The hospital also spearheads the provision of peritoneal dialysis to over 100 patients at home.

“Last month, in July, we were really astounded to have 14 new patients receiving dialysis. This is just an indication of what is emerging in our society – an increase in endstage kidney disease. For the patients that are here at QEH, we are really getting very concerned about what is happening with chronic kidney disease,” she said on Friday during the presentation of two dialysis machines and 15 chairs from the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA) Charity.

“Alarming for us, and what I really want to raise to the awareness of the public, is that we are seeing younger people now seeking dialysis…. And, therefore, our lifestyles are very important, in how we try to keep ourselves fit and avoid those complications that would warrant someone to have dialysis.”

Nursing Officer in the Artificial Kidney Unit, Maureen Butcher, said the department now has 24 machines to service 33-plus patients who receive dialysis three times weekly and more than 100 others who go on dialysis twice a week.

“So yes, these machines work really hard, so you know what happens after you work really hard and you don’t have a backup. So we are really grateful for these backup machines,” she said.

Acting Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Sonia Browne admitted, “We have so many patients on board, we cannot service everybody.”

“And I hate to say sometimes the choices are harder than we want to make. So this contribution of chairs and equipment will definitely go a long way to add to our QEH complement as well as the other outsources that we have,” she said.

While kidney transplant surgery using the organs of living donors has been conducted in Barbados for several years, Dr Browne said the Government is making headway in drafting legislation to allow for the donation of the organs of deceased persons

“We are getting closer and closer. The public will have their views as well, which is only right, but as much as I can say, we are trying to get that in legislation. Obviously, you can’t speak about what happens in Cabinet, but we are trying to get that legislation,” she said.

“The doctors here are anxious to do it because, as Dr Greenidge said, when the ideal is three times per week and we can only offer two times per week, then that obviously puts the patients [in a position where] the life that they would normally spend would be cut short.”

In the meantime, Minister Browne said, the public is being urged to take personal healthcare seriously through regular check-ups, exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet that helps prevent a noncommunicable disease (NCD) diagnosis.

BIBA’s Executive Director Carmel Haynes explained that the donation to the QEH was made in memory of Bernall Ben Arrindell, an international tax expert, valued member of the global business community, and an advisor to the Government on building Barbados as a destination choice for international investment.

Arrindell died from kidney disease.

The BIBA Charity launched its first golf tournament in 2022 as its major annual fundraiser, and thanks to 80 players who participated and the wider global business sector, the charity was able to purchase the dialysis machines and chairs which together are valued at over $120 000.

“The AKU has shared with us another wish list for three more dialysis machines, five chairs and 20 blood pressure monitors, valued at over $140 000. And so today, we are also here to launch the 2023 BIBA Charity Ben Arrindell International Golf Classic as the main avenue to help us meet this target,” Haynes said.

“Slated for November 5th, the day after Ben’s birthday, the tournament promises to be an occasion for camaraderie, friendly competition, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful contribution toward the enhancement of the dialysis unit of our nation’s primary healthcare facility.”

The tournament will take place at Royal Westmoreland Barbados, in the form of a 4-ball Texas scramble with a 1 p.m. shotgun start, followed by a cocktail reception and silent auction.

Arrindell’s widow, Shelly Williams, was present for the donation.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb