A brand-new $4 million dialysis unit was officially opened May 27 in Russell, Manitoba by Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald. The new 4,858 square-foot facility houses a six-station hemodialysis unit that operates on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. The fully staffed dialysis unit started dialyzing patients on May 2. Several Russell-area residents that currently travel to Brandon for dialysis are being assessed with the possibility of receiving dialysis at the new unit.

“This ability for patients to receive dialysis close to their community helps increase their quality of life by decreasing travel time and time away from home,” Dr. Mauro Verrelli, WRHA Medical Director of the Manitoba Renal Program, said. The unit is managed by the Assiniboine Regional Health Authority in partnership with Manitoba Renal Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Manitoba Health. Russell is part of a recent provincial expansion plan for renal health that includes 10 new dialysis stations at Health Sciences Centre, unit construction in Hodgson and Berens River and recently expanded renal health services in Swan River and Gimli.