ALBERTON -- It will be seven years next month since Grant Betts first went on dialysis.
He was the transplant list until other health care problems arose. Last week the Bloomfield resident was advised his health had improved to the point that he can go back on the transplant list.
And the news keeps getting better. On Tuesday Health PEI committed to maintaining dialysis services at Western Hospital in Alberton.
“I’m quite surprised,” Betts said when advised of the commitment. Just last year the provincial government announced plans to discontinue dialysis services in Souris and Alberton in favour of centralized services in Charlottetown and Summerside only, but gave in to public pressure and delayed the change.
It’s a win-win for me - Dialysis patient, Grant Betts
There were concerns that the service in the east and in the west was not a sure bet, until Tuesday.
“I figured we’d be travelling to Summerside,” Betts admitted. “I figured the hammer would come down at any time.”
Betts said allowing him to receive dialysis in Alberton for as long as he needs the service means a lot less hardship. “You’re cutting about two hours off your day for travelling, for starters, plus the added expense. It’s a win-win for me.”
There are currently six people receiving dialysis in Alberton, four in the morning and two in the afternoon, three days a week.
