THE EDITOR, Sir:
SINCE FEBRUARY of last year, I became a patient at the Haemodialysis Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).
The nurses there, work extremely hard to make sure that our treatments are on time and that we are comfortable, and given a lot of "TLC". We really appreciate them.
The unit can comfortably accommodate 16 haemodialysis machines, servicing roughly 100 patients and offers the most reasonable rate in the island. Patients are seen from Monday through Saturday and, oftentimes, on Sundays (emergencies). they are dialysed as early as 6:00am.
Unfortunately, the working conditions can be a bit problematic at times. Since I have been going there, at least eight of the 16 machines have broken down at least 4 times. Recently, at least eight of them were out of service.
This is a serious situation as it totally throws off the schedule not only for the unit, but for the patients. Wednesdays and Saturdays are normally half days for the nurses and the unit should be closed by around 3:00 p.m., if not earlier.
However due to the unsatisfactory conditions that exist, the nurses often end up working till after 6:00 p.m., if not later. They, however, continue to serve us with a smile and never complain about having to stay overtime.
Letters have been sent out to the various heads of departments at the UHWI in regards not only to the need for equipment and adequate supplies, but the need for a general improvement in the overall working conditions for the nurses and the facilities provided for the patients. No response has yet been received.
Also, more than one appeal has previously been made to four major businesses from July of last year, but to date no response has been received whether negative or positive.
It is with this in mind I am publicly requesting on behalf of all the persons who have to do haemodialysis and the hardworking nurses for a donation of some haemodialysis machines (about US$30,000 each, I think) and reclining haemodialysis chairs for the UHWI.
I am, etc.,
A PATIENT
