FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGEVILLE (October 4, 2024) – Headwaters Health Care Centre and Headwaters Health Care Foundation are pleased to announce the grand opening of its renovated Hemodialysis unit, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to providing excellent health services, close to home. The renovation was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of our community through the Smart Headwaters fundraising campaign.
Hemodialysis treatments are life-sustaining for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Since treatments take up to 4 hours and are required 3 times weekly in a specialized treatment chair, patient comfort is a priority. Designed by Stantec Inc. and built by BDA, the newly renovated Hemodialysis unit is a cornerstone to providing dedicated patient-centred care, enhanced patient privacy and accessibility.
We are excited to welcome patients to this modernized unit, focused on our purpose to provide excellent care, close to home as we continue our vision of one community, caring together.
Key features of the renovated hemodialysis unit include:
- Convenient location: Returning to its original location on the main level of the hospital within the Ambulatory Care wing, with direct access from a patient drop-off area adjacent to the hospital.
- Increased capacity: Expanded capacity to 9 stations, treating up to 54 patients annually. The department could treat up to 72 patients in the future, to align with regional capacity requirements.
- Upgraded technology and features: New reverse osmosis water treatment system for water purification and a technical workroom to support monitoring and maintenance of the Hemodialysis machines. There will be also a new medication room with a workstation for pharmacists for the safe and secure management of medication. A new nursing station with direct line of sight to the unit entrance and all treatment stations. A new in-floor scale, designed to be level with the floor, ensuring both safety and ease of use for patients. Regular and accurate monitoring of a dialysis patient's weight is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes, managing complications, and improving quality of life.
- Enhanced patient experience: New ergonomic treatment chairs with customizable features and a layout designed to maximize natural light. Patients can enjoy customizations to seat settings, power recline, side tables, retractable footrest, and patient entertainment iPads. Treatment stations also have hygienic privacy screens, replacing traditional curtains, to partition treatment stations as required. Customizable lighting is available at each station. The layout provides more natural light throughout the treatment area.
Quotations
“I’ve been a hemodialysis patient at Headwaters for 16 years. I’m happy this day has come. I am looking forward to being treated in the renovated space. I’m grateful to the nursing staff, hospital staff and Dr. Ben Wong. They keep us alive and really care about us. Being part of the renovation decisions might seem like small stuff, but it really made a difference to us. We spend a lot of time here each week. We are lucky to have this resource in our own backyard.” Frank Walterhouse, Hemodialysis Patient for 16 years
“Today marks a new chapter for our hemodialysis unit, where modern renovations meet our unwavering commitment to patient care. We are thrilled to welcome patients back to a space designed with their comfort and well-being in mind. Together, we will continue to provide the highest quality of care in a healing environment. Thank you for being part of our journey!” Tania Alexander, Manager, Ambulatory Care and Mental Health and Addictions and SADV
“We are so pleased to have completed the renovation of our hemodialysis unit, guaranteeing continued access to excellent care for our patients close to home. Patient experience is our top priority. This successful completion was the result of extensive collaboration and partnership with our patients, staff and physicians, generous donors, our Foundation and contractors.” Kim Delahunt, CEO and President, Headwaters Health Care Centre
"We are thrilled to announce the grand reopening of Headwaters hemodialysis unit. This renovation, made possible by generous community support of the Smart Headwaters fundraising campaign, signifies progress toward addressing the critical health care needs of our growing community. The renovated hemodialysis unit enhances our capacity to serve our community.” K.C. Carruthers, CEO, Headwaters Health Care Foundation
“Our government continues to make record investments in hospitals across the province to increase access to quality care in our community,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “The addition of three new stations at Headwaters’ renovated hemodialysis unit is an incredible milestone in building capacity and ensuring more people and families across Dufferin-Caledon can connect to care, close to home.”
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About Headwaters Health Care Centre
Headwaters Health Care Centre is an innovative hospital located in Orangeville, Ontario dedicated to quality patient-centred care together with our communities in Dufferin County-Caledon. In addition to providing acute and complex continuing care with a 24/7 Emergency Department, and extensive Ambulatory Care outpatient services, Headwaters is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada, certified as a Breast Assessment Centre by the Ontario Breast Screening Program, and will be offering MRI services in the spring of 2025. Headwaters is a cornerstone of health and wellness for the communities serving over 140,000 residents. It is one of the area's largest employers with over 800 staff, 200 physicians and six midwives and benefits from the dedication of over 200 volunteers.
Learn more at headwatershealth.ca and support the hospital at hhccfoundation.com. Headwaters is also a proud partner in the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team.
About Smart Headwaters
Smart Headwaters is a transformative $18 million fundraising campaign, aimed at acquiring a cutting-edge MRI machine, renovating the hemodialysis unit and purchasing other vital medical technology to enhance diagnostic capabilities and elevate patient care within our community. This ambitious campaign represents a major milestone for the hospital and its commitment to providing exceptional health care services to the residents of Dufferin-Caledon.
About Headwaters Health Care Foundation
Headwaters Health Care Foundation is the fundraising organization of Headwaters Health Care Centre. The Foundation raises funds for medical equipment, infrastructure and continuing education. For more information or to donate, visit hhcfoundation.com.
Media contacts
Jennifer Hamilton, MA, MBA | Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Headwaters Health Care Centre | 519 – 278-5085 jhamilton@headwatershealth.ca
Shauna Santarossa | Communications and Donor Relations Officer | Headwaters Health Care Foundation | 519-941-2702 ext. 2303 ssantarossa@headwatershealth.ca