Moray SNP News

MORAY MSP VISITS LOCAL RENAL UNIT AHEAD OF WORLD KIDNEY DAY

LOCHHEAD WELCOMES INVESTMENT IN DR GRAY’S RENAL DEPARTMENT

Ahead of World Kidney Day on Thursday 12th March, Richard Lochhead MSP has paid a visit to the renal unit at Dr Gray’s Hospital, where he met with staff and dialysis patients.

Dr Gray’s General Manager, Alasdair Pattinson, gave the MSP an update on NHS Grampian’s plans to invest over half a million pounds refurbishing Elgin’s renal department.

The works, which are due to begin in the coming months, will replace the existing water treatment plant, as well as upgrading care and treatment areas to create a more comfortable environment for patients to undergo treatment.

Speaking after his visit, Mr Lochhead said:

“It was good to visit the renal unit at Dr Gray’s ahead of World Kidney Day to meet the fantastic team who work flat out every day to support their patients with chronic kidney disease.

“So many people in Moray are affected by chronic kidney disease and it’s so important that we have the renal unit here in Elgin to ensure that those undergoing dialysis can do so locally, particularly given that treatment is needed at least three times a week and takes up to five hours.

“NHS Grampian’s investment in the ward is to be welcomed and I was pleased to get an update on the health board’s plans to make the unit more comfortable for patients who are treated there. It’s important that any hospital environment is as pleasant as possible for those who need it, but even more so when it is treatment like dialysis and patients have to spend a long time in the ward.

“I met a number of local patients during my visit who were relieved to hear that during the refurbishment they will continue to be able to have their dialysis at Dr Gray’s, with the service temporarily relocating to another part of the building. Some were concerned that they’d maybe have to visit another hospital to access care, so it’s really good news that that won’t be the case.

“There are a large number of people in Moray who are living with chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure is of course fatal without dialysis or a transplant. Our local renal unit is invaluable and the team do a phenomenal job supporting patients and their families during a really difficult time – I can’t emphasise just how important it is for us to have this service on our doorstep.”