Rose-Belle Hospital: Dialysis Sessions Delayed, Patients in Distress

Patients undergoing dialysis at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose-Belle have faced significant disruptions in their treatment schedule due to delayed dialysis sessions. The primary issue appeared to be a shortage of staff, leaving many patients anxious as they await a resolution.

For several days now, individuals suffering from renal failure have been experiencing difficulties as their scheduled dialysis sessions are pushed back.

One affected patient, speaking on behalf of others, shared his frustration. “Sessions are supposed to start at 6 a.m., but they often don’t commence until 7:30 or even 8 a.m.

This delay is creating numerous inconveniences: patients enrolled for the last session end up finishing very late, and some feel hungry without any immediate access to food.

It’s also important to highlight the prevalent lack of staff,” he explained. He expressed hope that hospital management would address these issues swiftly.

Bose Soonarane, Secretary of the Renal Disease Patients’ Association, echoed the patients’ concerns, emphasizing that staffing shortages are a widespread problem across various healthcare institutions.

“Some staff members have been transferred, while others received promotions and are now responsible for different health units, leaving patients to bear the consequences of these changes,” he noted.

He also mentioned that approximately sixty patients are affected daily due to the inadequate number of staff.

According to Soonarane, only three nurses are available to handle the dialysis sessions, which accommodate at least 27 patients each.

“Connecting each patient takes five to six minutes, which dramatically lengthens the overall process,” he said.

Additionally, some patients reported difficulties in securing transportation after their sessions, contributing to longer wait times.

The hospital administration recognizes these issues and is working to find solutions.

“During this festive season, staffing shortages have intensified as many staff members have chosen to take leave to care for their families, and those still at work are often reluctant to take on overtime.

However, we are actively seeking a resolution to ensure that patients are not negatively impacted,” a spokesperson stated.

Hospital officials acknowledged that delayed sessions pose a significant concern.

“The nurse in charge must prepare the necessary dialysis solutions. Previously, they would dilute the products the night before, but new regulations stipulate that this must occur one hour prior to administration.

Since this nurse is the sole person responsible for these preparations and often finishes late in the evening, they cannot begin earlier to complete this task,” the spokesperson explained.

Currently, the hospital administration is exploring all possible solutions to resolve these issues promptly, prioritizing the well-being of the patients.

Source: l’Express