State Approves New Type of Home Dialysis For Outpatients at Rochester General Hospital's Dialysis Center

(12/1/09)

Personal Freedom and Portability Enhanced

Rochester General Hospital’s Outpatient Dialysis Center has received approval from the New York State Department of Health to implement a new type of home dialysis that offers a wide range of additional patient benefits.

“This new form of dialysis will give some of our patients another option in the way they receive dialysis,” said Marvin Grieff MD/Medical Director of the Rochester General Hospital Home Dialysis program. “Currently, outpatient hemodialysis patients must travel to our Center in Irondequoit for treatment or they must use a home system (peritoneal dialysis) that is not suitable for all patients. This new, portable type of hemodialysis offers more flexibility and personal freedom for patients.”

The Dialysis Center at Rochester General Hospital serves more than 430 patients from the surrounding communities and offers the largest home dialysis program in New York State. Approximately 70 patients are using the peritoneal home dialysis system. It is expected that the newly approved home hemodialysis therapy will assist dozens of our outpatients.

“With the growing incidence of kidney disease, the demand for outpatient dialysis in our area is on the rise,” said Dr. Grieff. “While this new home dialysis system is not intended for all patients, its use, where appropriate, will help free up space for those who need to be treated at fixed dialysis stations in our Center. This is an important benefit for our entire community” Before beginning any form of home dialysis, patients and family members must undergo training and counseling. “Patient safety is our number one priority,” said Brian Christopher RN, Home Hemodialysis Coordinator. “While we are excited to talk about the patient benefits of home dialysis, we focus on patient responsibilities. Our comprehensive training program is all about safety.”

For more information about the services offered by the Rochester General Hospital Outpatient Dialysis Center, please call (585) 922-0339 or visit the Dialysis Web site.

Media Contact

Marty Aarons, Public Relations
(585) 922-4573
marty.aarons@rochestergeneral.org

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