The new Prairie Lakes Dialysis Unit is now open on the first floor, in the area that was most recently the CCU Unit. The CCU Unit was moved to second floor earlier this year. The new unit can be accessed through a new entry near the North entrance designed specifically for dialysis patients. Now, our dialysis patients no longer need to walk down long hallways and ride the elevator to receive their treatment. 
Dialysis patients were welcomed into the new unit Monday, June 3rd and they are already appreciating the new space. Jan Hansen, Director of Dialysis shared, "Patients have a more private space which allows for a more comfortable setting while receiving dialysis treatment. The privacy also allows providers and staff to have more delicate conversations if needed while they are dialyzing verses having to wait until treatment is complete and then having to find a private space."
In addition to a more pleasant environment for the patients, the remodel design focused on our staff's needs as well. Jan added, "There is more working space, each nurse has a designated space to work at each day, providers, dieticians, and social workers have a designated working space as well." Dr. Tina Melanson, Nephrologist, shared, "There are computers in every dialysis room so documentation of their treatments can happen efficiently. It also allows an at-the-ready view of past dialysis treatments to review any prior dialysis complications."
In addition, the remodel allowed the Dialysis Unit to grow from an 8-chair unit to a 10-chair unit meaning we can now treat additional patients in need.
Dr. Melanson stated, "The new dialysis unit is definitely more modern and up to date than the previous unit. This shows Prairie Lakes’ commitment to keeping up with changing times and striving for state-of-the-art care."
