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For Immediate Release
May 26, 2008

News Release

improving Dialysis Care Access For Six Nations, Brant, Haldimand & Norfolk

McGuinty Government Strengthening Health Care For All Ontarians

Minister Bryant (middle row, center), MPP Dave Levac (back row, left) and Chief William Montour (front row, right) with guests at the White Pines Wellness Centre.

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NEWS
People from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk Counties will soon have improved access to dialysis treatments.

The province is investing $1.6 million in funding in a 12-station dialysis satellite program at the White Pines Wellness Centre. This is part of the St. Joseph’s Health Care Hamilton Chronic Kidney Disease Regional Program.

The funding will be applied toward the establishment of a satellite clinic area that will house a 12-station dialysis satellite program. The program will open six dialysis treatment stations, followed by up to six additional stations by 2013-2014.   The satellite dialysis program will be a joint partnership between the Chronic Kidney Disease Regional Program of the St. Joseph’s Health Care Hamilton and the Six Nations of the Grand River.

QUOTES
“Our government is working hard to ensure quality healthcare and improved access to vital programs and services,” said Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Michael Bryant.  “This new dialysis satellite program will allow the people of Six Nations, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties to share in this lifesaving treatment.”

Elected Chief William Montour stated: “It has been the result of a concerted effort of the Six Nations community, Six Nations Health Department, Six Nations Health Committee, Six Nations Council, the Chronic Kidney Disease Regional Program of St. Joseph’s Health Care Hamilton, and the Government of Ontario.  This occurs when grassroots people identify the needs and their voices are heard by governing bodies.”

“The six new dialysis treatment stations at the White Pines Wellness Centre is a vital investment that will help save lives,” said Brant MPP Dave Levac.

QUICK FACTS

• The White Pines Wellness Centre is a  29,695 square foot one-stop health centre which opened officially in September 2007.
• The satellite program will provide hemodialysis – a process in which waste and excess body fluid associated with renal failure is filtered out through the blood.
• The dialysis facility will begin by operating six stations at two shifts per day, with a capacity of approximately 24 patients, increasing to 12 stations with a capacity of 48 patients in 2013-2014.

LEARN MORE
Visit St. Joseph’s Health Care Hamilton online and learn more about the Chronic Kidney Disease Regional Program.

For more information about the White Pines Wellness Centre and Six Nations Health Services, visit http://www.snhs.ca/index.htm.

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Greg Crone, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2529
Lars Eedy, Communications Branch, 416-327-9631
Mark Nesbitt, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 416-326-6440