Endocrinology
Mediclinic has responded to the rise in kidney failure patients by opening renal service clinics throughout the country.
Mediclinic is committed to providing a continuum of care that extends beyond the acute care offered at its hospitals. Mediclinic renal clinics, which are being introduced in key areas throughout the country, speak to this commitment.
Michelle Dennis, Renal Operations Manager at Mediclinic, explains the company has a keen focus on addressing health concerns within its communities – and kidney failure is, increasingly, included among these concerns. That’s largely because of the high prevalence of lifestyle diseases which often go hand in hand with kidney disease, including hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, while the misuse of medication and high incidence of autoimmune disorders are further contributing factors.
“The establishment of clinics with a special focus on renal care speaks to our goal of ensuring that people in all South African communities are able to access quality healthcare,” she notes. “This is especially important, because earlier diagnosis means that the onset of dialysis therapy can be prolonged and, in some cases, that a transplant can be performed even before dialysis therapy is required. ”
A holistic offering
Dennis informs that the first Mediclinic Renal Services centre opened in 2021, as part of the Mediclinic South Africa Continuum of care vision. “Marking a major milestone in the Mediclinic South Africa history, patients were able to access dialysis and, if necessary, receive renal therapies in-hospital as part of their in-patient care – all under the Mediclinic banner for the first time” Dennis says.
The first centre, located in Bloemfontein, was soon followed by the opening of renal clinics in Potchefstroom and Soweto, of which the Soweto Renal Services clinic is the is the only free-standing facility which is not co-located next to a Mediclinic hospital. Today, there are clinics across the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape, the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. Dennis reports that several Renal Clinics are scheduled to open within the next two years as the service readies for a period of “rapid expansion”.
Dialysis with a difference
The care provided at each renal clinic is patient-centred, with a strong focus on positive patient and clinical outcomes. “Our informal motto is ‘dialysis with a difference’, and we really strive to achieve this in every way possible,” Dennis says.
Each patient receives treatment within a private cubicle, and is provided with a tablet loaded with apps like YouTube, Netflix and Google to keep them entertained during the treatment process – an offering which is unique to Mediclinic.
The equipment in place at the clinics is supported by state of the art technology, and includes a non-invasive bio-impedence scale which enables the renal team to assess the overall health of the patient.
“Our units offer in-centre and home-based therapy solutions while considering the different needs of our clients.,” Dennis says. “Our dialysis teams offer a comprehensive acute in-hospital service which includes modalities like acute hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, continuous replacement therapies, and plasma exchange.
“With the full range of renal replacement therapies available under the Mediclinic banner, we’re able to ensure that treatment is more efficient and that patients receive comprehensive information about their conditions and treatment options. This means they are better educated and therefore better prepared for their treatments going forward,” Dennis continues.
World-class care
As an added benefit, the implementation of the continuum of care vision means that Mediclinic is able to ensure that its highest standards of care are adhered to.
“With this approach, we are able to ensure that all Mediclinic patients receive the very best care possible; care which lives up to the Mediclinic expertise you can trust across all Mediclinic facilities. We are proud to bring these services to all South African communities,” Dennis concludes.