HANA DIALYSIS ONE STEP CLOSER TO REALITY

Residential dialysis for patients in the remote East Maui region is one step closer to becoming a reality.  The state will consider an amendment this week for a residential dialysis center to use land in Hana currently designated as a physician’s residence.  The site was constructed in 1938 for the Hana Health Clinic, but use of the property continued without a formal agreement when the state discontinued management 10 years ago.  Last month, the tenant of the subject property vacated the residence at the county’s request.

Representatives from the non-profit applicant, Hui Laulima o Hana, say Hana’s dialysis patients currently have to travel 3 hours each way, and over 100 miles round trip, 3-4 times per week to central Maui for treatment.  The group has already gained confirmation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services to provide residential dialysis in East Maui.

(Posted by Wendy Osher:  Wednesday, January 07, 2009)