In the coming weeks, the first dialysis service within the St Vincent de Paul complex is expected to become operational. This project will provide essential care to kidney disease patients over the age of 60, both residents and individuals from the wider community. The service will be offered in an environment that is more accessible and fully adapted to their needs. The initiative forms part of a broader investment currently taking place within the Day Clinic.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, visited the hospital and announced that the clinic will include six dialysis machines, one of which will serve as a backup for emergency situations. At the same time, work is nearing completion on an advanced reverse osmosis system, as well as ventilation and dedicated piping systems to maintain the highest standards of safety and sterilisation.

The machines are expected to arrive in the coming days, allowing the Unit to offer up to 70 dialysis sessions per week in the near future. This will relieve pressure on Mater Dei Hospital while increasing access to care within the community.

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that this first Renal Unit at the hospital represents another step towards providing care in settings closer to the patient, while affording greater dignity to older individuals. As announced in the Budget, this pilot project will pave the way for the expansion of the service in the coming months to a total of 18 machines.

This project represents an investment of more than €380,000 and forms part of a wider vision for more modern, integrated and humane community care.