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Hemodialysis clinic at Wright-Patterson offers flexibility and personalized care

  • Published
  • By Stacey Geiger
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  As they mark their one year anniversary of the unit’s expansion Sept.19, the hemodialysis clinic at the 88th Medical Group continues to provide patients flexible and individualized dialysis care. 
 

Prior to the expansion, the clinic provided dialysis treatments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. To better accommodate patients, the clinic increased their patient census by 70 percent by doubling their capacity from three treatment days a week to six by adding Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

“We offer much lower nurse to patient ratios than the majority of off base facilities along with more individualized care,” said hemodialysis unit officer in charge, 1st Lt. Michael Jacobson.

“Another major advantage is that our clinic is located in the hospital and patients can be treated immediately in the event of an emergency,” Jacobson said. “Many hemodialysis clinics off base are not located in a hospital so an ambulance would have to be called to transport the patient to a hospital. In addition, our staff is certified to perform emergency lifesaving measures so this is the best place for a patient to be.” 

Retired master sergeant and former 88th MDG first sergeant, John Pennix, has been receiving dialysis treatments since May 2016 and has benefited from the personalized care and flexibility of treatment days.  

“The staff is great here, they always talk to me, make me laugh and are constantly checking on me,” Pennix said. “I have this help button here that I can use if something happens but I hardly have to use it because they are prompt when the warning alarm goes off and they take care of me right away.

“They are empathetic and understand your needs. Sometimes with off base facilities, the staff just does what they have to do but with the staff here, it is obvious it is something they want to do and that they want to be here to take care of me.”

The six chair hemodialysis unit regularly has dialysis treatment chairs , and if you live in the area you should call to schedule an appointment. If dialysis is a concern for you, you should check with your local military treatment facility to see if there are options available to you.