UHWI denies renal unit failures amid patients’ outcry

The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is refuting claims by some of its dialysis patients that deteriorating conditions and a lack of resources at the facility’s renal unit are jeopardising their health and well-being.

While describing the situation as a “disaster”, chief among the patients’ growing concerns were the constant malfunctioning of dialysis machines and the water treatment unit, along with a general shortage of resources. Patients say these issues often result in them being turned away when they arrive for treatment.

In a story published in yesterday’s Gleaner, frustrated patients – who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation – raised concerns about the health risks posed by delayed treatments. They also complained about the unsanitary condition of the unit.

However, in a statement issued yesterday, UHWI dismissed the claims, despite public relations and communications manager Kerry-Ann Robinson telling The Gleaner on Wednesday that the hospital was investigating the patients’ allegations.

“We acknowledge that no healthcare system is without challenges, but we reject the notion that the UHWI is failing its renal patients. Instead, we stand firm in our dedication to continuous improvement, patient engagement, and high-quality, life-sustaining care. At UHWI Dialysis, we ensure that no patient needing emergency dialysis is turned away,” the statement read.

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for individuals with kidney failure, acting as an artificial kidney to filter blood, remove waste and excess fluids, and maintain electrolyte balance and blood pressure. It alleviates symptoms and improves quality of life.

According to the patients, however, the reliability and quality of care at UHWI have significantly declined – particularly over the past two years.

“Every week there’s a different problem. Either the pump is down, or there’s an issue with the acid or fluid. It’s unpredictable, and the unit can shut down at any time,” one patient told The Gleaner.

“If you complain, they take it out on you when you return for treatment.”

“The standard has dropped – badly,” another patient said, noting that machine breakdowns are common and often not communicated in advance, leaving patients stranded without treatment.

One patient described the situation as especially disheartening for those who struggle to afford the $7,500 per session payment, only to be denied care due to equipment or supply shortages.

In its statement, UHWI did not indicate whether the patients’ reports of frequent malfunctions and treatment disruptions were inaccurate. It also did not directly address the allegations of insufficient supplies, including needles and lines.

However, the hospital noted that it currently has 21 functioning dialysis units, with three others undergoing repairs. UHWI said the renal unit serves 35 to 40 patients daily, in addition to two to three ICU patients with complex medical and surgical needs. It operates on a 24-hour basis from Monday to Sunday, delivering over 210 dialysis sessions weekly and approximately 840 monthly, the hospital noted.

‘REMAIN DEEPLY COMMITTED’

“The hospital’s water treatment system – a critical component of dialysis care – is an upgraded and rigorously maintained system, with scheduled preventative maintenance and emergency response plans,” UHWI added, noting that the most recent service was performed on April 5.

The hospital said that maintenance work did not affect patient care, as those originally scheduled for dialysis on April 5 were treated on April 4 with overnight sessions to ensure continuity.

UHWI stated that all emergencies were appropriately managed, and a contingency plan was in place.

It also outlined several measures implemented to enhance service delivery, including the hiring of a dedicated biotechnology technician and support team to ensure timely machine servicing and diagnostics; extending dialysis hours to midnight with early openings and late closings; a system to reschedule missed sessions within 24 hours; and a policy ensuring that an on-call team is always available to manage emergencies.

Meanwhile, UHWI’s Medical Chief of Staff and Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr Carl Bruce, said, “Our dialysis unit has doubled its service offering in the last few years in response to national need. We remain deeply committed to patient-centred care, safety, and service expansion. While we welcome feedback, we also stand by the integrity, investment, and quality of the renal services we offer.”

He added, “We feel that strategically, the focus on expanding the new transplant programme is an alternative priority to ease the burden for some patients, their families, and society. We are receiving assistance from Spain to forward our deceased donor programme.”

tanesha.mundle@gleanerjm.com