SMH researching dialysis treatment in Breckenridge

Patients with acute and chronic kidney disease may see some positive changes for treatment if all goes according to plan.

Dr. Prejith Rajendran, Nephrologist at the Hendrick Health System in Abilene, made a presentation at the Stephens Memorial Hospital District meeting on Dec. 17 about the possibility of having a dialysis program in Breckenridge.

“The demographics in this area are getting older and Breckenridge currently has 25 active dialysis cases who can benefit from having something closer than Abilene,” said Dr. Rajendran.

The dialysis system he recommended to the board of directors is a Tablo Hemodialysis system. This system is for treatment of patients with acute and chronic kidney disease.

Dr. Rajendran said, “It requires less space and only a third of the cost in water treatment.”

Interim CEO Doug Smith reached out to Dr. Rajendran several months ago about the potential opportunity.

The program is currently in discussion only while they seek out staffing requirements, location, expertise, and details of running the program.

SMH is upgrading their Radiology room equipment and mobile X-ray unit.

The purchase of the new radiology equipment will be $187K.

The board was presented with a proposal to purchase a new ultrasound unit for the hospital. Interim CEO Doug Smith said, “Our current [ultrasound equipment] system is marginal at best.” He continued, “At nine scans per week, which is half what is currently done, payback is 35 months. ”

The board asked for additional information on the ultrasound equipment in addition to lease rates should they elect to go that direction.