(October 2, 2020-GALESBURG, Illinois) – OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center will begin providing inpatient dialysis starting October 5, adding to the compliment of additional services provided at the Medical Center.
Dialysis is a procedure for people who have acute or chronic kidney (renal) failure. It filters waste and extra fluid from the blood that is something that would normally be done by the kidneys.
Dialysis may also be used to prevent kidney failure if someone has been exposed to or swallowed toxic substances. Many patients will be on dialysis until they receive a kidney transplant in the future. Without dialysis, patients may experience a variety of problems that can become fatal.
“We are thrilled to announce that we will now be able to provide inpatient dialysis for our highest acuity, urgent, and most complex cases,” stated Lisa DeKezel, president of OSF St. Mary Medical Center. “We have continued to evolve in order to best serve our patients with the greatest care and love by meeting the comprehensive healthcare needs of our rural communities.”
Dialysis is often recommended for patients with kidney failure, reduced kidney function, or kidney trauma
“The investment of inpatient dialysis reflects the commitment of OSF St. Mary to provide state-of-the-art services and compassionate care to the communities that we are privileged to serve,” stated Roxanna Crosser, CEO of the OSF HealthCare Western Region. “We are committed to keeping our patients local by giving them the ability to receive critically important care whenever possible in their hospital of choice and in their community.”
OSF HealthCare added dialysis units that will be able to be transported to treat patients bedside or in the Emergency Department. Before its first use, the equipment will be blessed in a ceremony that will also include a blessing for the Mission Partners (clinical staff) who will be providing dialysis care.
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