The rate of kidney disease is growing in Windsor-Essex.
Director of Renal Stroke and Allied Health at Windsor Regional Hospital Dino Villalta says the region's seen a 10% increase year-over-year for the last four years. That's above the provincial average, and makes up 42,000 dialysis treatments each year.
"There's a lot of high blood pressure and diabetes (in Windsor and Essex County), plus the age of our population is generally higher," explains Villalta.
The director says the best way to prevent kidney disease is to see a physician regularly.
Windsor Regional Hospital's dialysis treatments are expected to be moved into new space at the Bell building on Goyeau Ave. within the next 18 months, to allow for more space.
RN Madeline Power demonstrates how a dialysis machine is used at Windsor Regional Hospital, March 12, 2015. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)
RN Madeline Power demonstrates how a dialysis machine is used at Windsor Regional Hospital, March 12, 2015. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)
RN Madeline Power demonstrates how a dialysis machine is used at Windsor Regional Hospital, March 12, 2015. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)
A dialysis chair and machine set up at Windsor Regional Hospital's Ouellette Campus, March 12, 2015. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)