Sharon Urquhart of OurTMH makes a presentation on the need for a dialysis clinic at Trenton Memorial Hospital on May 22, 2018.(Photo/John Spitters/Quinte News)
Representatives of OurTMH have presented their early findings to MPP Todd Smith as they continue to push the need for a dialysis clinic in Trenton.
While the Ontario Renal Network has said only 19 people in the area need dialysis services, OurTMH says by its findings, the numbers are much higher than that and also exceed the ORN benchmark of 20 people.
The group says 16% of people in the area could use the services and that number could rise if stats are added from local nursing homes, almost double the Southeast LIHN estimate of 8.7%.
Local patients have been avoiding the treatments because there are no capable facilities close to home and the cost of travel is becoming too expensive.
OurTMH says the ORN has put the need for dialysis in Brighton and Quinte West behind the need for a new hospital in Picton, which is slated for 2025 and that both the ORN and officials at Kingston General, who have the next closest clinic, don’t understand the geography of the region.
Smith has told the group to write a briefing note for the new Minister of Health and Long Term Care, Christine Elliott and present it to her at next week’s municipalities conference.
Residents are still being encouraged to voice their concerns about a need for dialysis services, by visiting the OurTMH website.
