It’s been five years in the making, and although the Rimbey and District Renal Dialysis Group didn’t begin with the goal to take to their cause to the Alberta Health Services Preferential Access Inquiry that’s where they are headed Feb. 27.
At a meeting Feb. 10, the finishing touches were put on the group’s submission, which will be presented at the inquiry in Calgary at the Telus Convention Centre from 9:30 to 4:30.
The submission is advocating for patient-centred care in rural areas and will be presented to the commission by John Church, a political science professor at the University of Alberta. “We were seeking someone who could advance our concerns and he was recommended,” said Irene Kurta-Lovell, spokesperson for the Rimbey and District Renal Dialysis Group.
“When we looked into it we could see that renal dialysis patients living in urban centres were much better accommodated. Our objective is really to improve the service for renal dialysis to patients in the Rimbey area and rural areas in general,” said Kurta-Lovell.
The submission is based off research indicating the Government of Alberta is interested in and promoting patient-centered care, said Kurta-Lovell.
It’s also based off what the group has gained through meetings with MLAs and the Northern Alberta Renal Dialysis Program.
Although, for the group’s wishes, the best-case scenario would be to have a renal dialysis treatment centre at the Rimbey hospital Kurta-Lovell says Alberta Health Services could send a mobile dialysis bus to Rimbey or create a storefront clinic. “They could have a space anywhere, in any commercial building.”
Having rural-based treatment would alleviate a large amount of financial burden and other stress for dialysis patients.
A round trip to Red Deer, from the Rimbey area, can cost around $50 in gas money. “If you live in the rural area a vehicle is essential,” said Kurta-Lovell.
Also, diabetics have strict eating schedules, so meal costs are incorporated, as are parking costs. “Parking at Red Deer hospital is $33 per month. People who live in urban centres don’t have to pay any of that stuff,” said Kurta-Lovell.
Those on dialysis are treated three to four times per week depending on their case.
Kurta-Lovell also says the costs can be claimed on taxes. However, if you’re a senior without a full-time or steady income the valued impact of what you’ve spent isn’t returned.
“One of the big stressors for dialysis patients living in rural areas is travelling,” she added. Patients need a driver and have to rely on friends or family.
The heavy traffic of the highway between Rimbey and Red Deer, such as tourists in the summer, agricultural, transport truck and commuters only adds to the stress.
Although there isn’t a huge number of patients in the rural Rimbey area requiring dialysis treatment, Kurta-Lovell says that number is irrelevant.
“It really isn’t relevant at any given time because many people of the past who required dialysis have died. And many more will require it in the future.”