People with impaired kidney function need not forgo holidays, thanks to National Renal Care’s (NRC) extensive national coverage, which allows for dialysis treatment throughout South Africa. One of the most popular local tourist destinations for renal patients is Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
This is according to NRC operations manager, Brendon Hill, who notes that NRC Ballito enables dialysis patients to access quality treatment in a modern facility while enjoying a vacation on the Dolphin Coast. “As long as you plan your treatment beforehand, there is no reason to worry whilst on holiday” he emphasises.
There are 53 NRC units around South Africa, including in popular holiday destinations such as East London, King Williamstown and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape; Amanzimtoti, Ballito, Margate, Richards Bay and Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal; Blaauwberg, George, Paarl, Plettenberg Bay, Swellendam and Plumstead in the Western Cape; as well as Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.
NRC Ballito unit leader, Renita Nair, says the facility offers the full spectrum of dialysis treatments including chronic haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and acute dialysis. “Our staff are fully trained in dialysis and are present during all procedures to ensure that our patients are comfortable and receive quality treatment.”
Haemodialysis is a life-saving procedure for people with kidney function impairment. A dialysis machine filters the blood by providing an artificial purifying mechanism for people whose kidneys can no longer eliminate dangerous toxins from the body. Peritoneal dialysis is another form of dialysis, involving fluid exchange via a membrane in the patient’s abdomen.
Nair says the NRC Ballito unit boasts state-of-the-art equipment. “The unit is complimented by a highly skilled resident nephrologist, Dr K Maharaj, backed by professional staff and a dynamic management team. We are absolutely committed to providing exceptional care for our patients, whether they are locals or tourists to our beautiful beach town.”
Hill notes that that the need for dialysis can have a significant impact on an individual’s lifestyle. “However, being able to access dialysis closer to home can help patients lead more productive and less disrupted lives. The NRC Ballito dialysis unit embodies NRC’s commitment to provide quality care in the most convenient way possible for our patients, even when they are taking a hard-earned break.”
National Renal Care (Pty) Ltd operates as a joint venture between Adcock Ingram Critical Care (Pty) Ltd and Netcare Limited and offers a range of additional services to patients, including nutritional guidelines, patient education and support groups for patients and their families.
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Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of National Renal Care
Contact : Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Sarah Wilson or Meggan Saville
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected],[email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]