News release

Construction of Dialysis Unit at Dartmouth General Hospital Moving Forward

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)
Health and Wellness

Nova Scotians want better access to dialysis treatment. That is why government is moving ahead with an expansion of the dialysis unit at Dartmouth General Hospital.

Government has approved $7.46 million to add six more dialysis chairs as part of the QEII New Generation project. As a result, 36 more patients will be able to be treated in Dartmouth each week, bringing the total to close to 100 patients.

"We want to make it easier for more Nova Scotians to get this life-saving treatment closer to home,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “This expansion is one of six dialysis projects underway across the province, which will mean better access to care.”

The dialysis unit will be closed until construction is finished, which is expected to take a year. Patients who had been receiving dialysis in Dartmouth are now receiving care at the Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General sites of the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

Quotes:

“Having my treatments in Dartmouth will make me feel so much better and happier as it will allow me to spend more time with my family. It will cost me less as I will not have to travel as far and will take less time going through traffic and finding a place to park making dialysis much more convenient.”

– Jacquelyn Cooper, dialysis patient at Dartmouth General Hospital

“This investment will have a lasting impact on all patients and their families receiving hemodialysis treatment at Dartmouth General Hospital. It will allow the renal care program to meet the growing need for dialysis treatment and make it easier for community members living with kidney disease and kidney failure to access the care they need closer to home.”

– Dr. Steven Soroka, senior medical director, renal program, Nova Scotia Health Authority

Quick Facts:

  • there are 10 dialysis chairs at Dartmouth General Hospital. There will be 16 after the expansion
  • government is building or expanding dialysis units in six communities – Dartmouth, Halifax, Kentville, Digby, Bridgewater and Glace Bay
  • the expanded dialysis unit is part of the Dartmouth General Hospital expansion and renovation project (QEII New Generation), which will double the number of operating rooms, add nearly 50 beds and improve hospital rooms, waiting areas, pharmacy and parking
  • the same construction manager for that project, PCL Constructors Canada Inc., will oversee the contracts and construction of the dialysis units
  • dialysis is a treatment for people with kidney disease or kidney failure that removes waste, salt and extra water from their blood

Additional Resources:

For more information on the Dartmouth General Hospital expansion and renovations and other components of the QEII New Generation project, go to: https://healthredevelopment.novascotia.ca/