New dialysis service for critical patients

Armadale Health Service’s (AHS) Intensive Care Unit has introduced a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) service to treat critically ill patients with acute kidney failure.

ICU Clinical Nurse Manager Denver Prince said the new CRRT machines provide a slower and gentler form of dialysis for patients with low or unstable blood pressure due to conditions such as pneumonia, cardiac failure or septic shock.

“Critical patients tolerate CRRT a lot better than conventional dialysis,” Denver said.

“We can now safely treat patients with acute renal failure closer to home while reducing the need for transfers to a tertiary hospital.”

The new service adds to the comprehensive renal service we provide to the local community.