The Wellstone Clinic in Kilkenny has closed its doors this week with the loss of over 17 jobs after almost three years of providing vital dialysis care to local patients.
The closure follows the transfer of dialysis services from the Wellstone Clinic to another centre in the city which involved the transfer of 56 patients earlier this week.
The move follows a 2008 HSE tender for dialysis services in Kilkenny which was awarded to Fresenius Medical Care. The awarding of the contract to Fresenius Medical Care will mark the end of the Wellstone Clinic in Kilkenny.
Kevin Desmond, managing director of PEI who operates the Wellstone Clinic, said, “The move will undoubtedly cause upset for the many older patients in particular that currently attend the clinic. The average age of our patients is 73 and this may have an effect on them as they get used to a new setting and new staff”.
The Wellstone Clinic in Kilkenny was established in 2004 when it became clear that there was a demand for dialysis services to supplement and support the existing renal services being offered in the public health service in the area. The purpose built clinic contains 12 patient stations and can cater for up to 48 patients on a regular weekly cycle. The clinic worked to high standards and consistently had very good results, particularly in the area of infection control and patient outcomes.
“We are thankful to the HSE for the good working relationship which we have enjoyed throughout our time in operation,” said Mr Desmond.
“We would also like to thank the Irish Kidney Association and all of our patients and their families for their continued support over the past number of years. We have no doubt that the transfer to the new clinic will be smooth and that patients will continue to receive the levels of care that they need”, he added.
The Wellstone Clinic also has a centre in Galway which continues to provide dialysis for HSE patients.
