The Ministry of Health is awaiting the publication of a report on the feasibility of introducing kidney dialysis services in Montserrat before deciding on its next steps.
That’s according to Minister of Health Charles Kirnon, who spoke about the possibility during the latest sitting of Montserrat Legislative Assembly on 25 June.
Opposition member Donaldson Romeo broached the subject early in the session, asking if there are plans for services at the New National Hospital.
Kirnon responded that the ministry is keen to provide as many services on island as is realistically possible.
“However, like other countries, we have limited budgets, human resources and other factors that present challenges,” he said.
“Therefore, one has to prioritise which one can be feasibly implemented in the short, medium and long term.”
He said a charitable organisation – Helping Hands for Glendon – recently approached the ministry regarding dialysis and was happy to learn they are facilitating a feasibility assessment.
“The ministry looks forward to receiving the report of this assessment as it will help to determine the when, if and how of implementation of this service,” he said.
During his answer, Kirnon told parliament of the complications of setting up a dialysis unit, which he said goes beyond purchasing a dialysis machine.
“There are certain factors that need to be considered, such as water supply, treatment, and waste disposal. The maintenance of the machines also has to be considered,” he said.
Guidelines will have to be adopted for safety, such as those of infection and prevention issues, particularly to prevent cross infection of blood-borne diseases, the minister added.
And the unit will require specialist staff to operate it and to assist with the care for patients with dialysis.
“Ideally, patients with chronic kidney disease should be assessed for the suitability for kidney transplantation,” the health minister said.
“Although not all persons will qualify for kidney transplantation, those who are will need a pathway created to access the service.”
Kirnon also mentioned that the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is looking at how dialysis can be more efficient in the region using existing mechanisms.
“The ministry looks forward to the outcome of that piece of work from the OECS,” he said.
Helping Hands for Glendon is a registered charity raising funds for Glendon Hospital in Montserrat.
