Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) Dialysis Unit recently celebrated a significant milestone in patient care as Michele Day of Walpole Island First Nation marked 20 years of dialysis treatment.
In 2005, Michele began her dialysis treatments at CKHA and today continues to thrive with hope and a positive attitude, serving as an inspiration to others facing similar health challenges, hospital officials say.
“I want other people to know they have a chance and to say, ‘it’s not the end of the world,’” Day said, in a media release.
Hospital officials say Day has embraced a disciplined approach to her health and well-being by maintaining a specialized diet, incorporating traditional Indigenous food as well as healing practices into her daily routine.
She recognizes their importance in supporting her journey through dialysis care.
“Our Dialysis team is dedicated to supporting the holistic care needs of patients, understanding that this approach leads to improved patient outcomes,” said Jarrod Prieur, Director, Medicine, Complex Continuing Care, Stroke, Rehabilitation Services & Chronic Disease, CKHA, in a media release.
“Michele’s long-term success underscores the impact of a comprehensive and well-managed approach to dialysis care. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Michele and her family.”
Through a combination of adherence to a specialized renal diet, family support, traditional healing practices and the guidance of her healthcare team, Day maintains a stable and active lifestyle.
To read more about Michele’s story, click here.
As a satellite site of the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Regional Renal Program, CKHA’s Dialysis Unit employs specially trained staff who care for stable dialysis patients in consultation with London nephrologists and the multidisciplinary team.
Patients must be referred to the LHSC Regional Renal Program and assessed by London for appropriateness of care within the satellite Dialysis Unit.
The unit operates six days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; every patient requires dialysis treatment that takes up to five hours, three times per week.
