Welland, ON - Representatives of the news media are invited to join representatives of the Niagara Health System (NHS) to celebrate the opening of the new Welland Hospital Auxiliary Dialysis Centre on Friday May 30, 2008.
| 2 pm: | Official ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks by NHS representatives and community leaders, followed by tours of the newly-constructed centre |
| 3 pm – 7 pm: | Public Open House with guided tours |
| Location: | Main Floor, Welland Hospital Site, King Street and Third Avenue (use main hospital entrance) |
At an estimated cost of $7.5 million, the newly-constructed 12,500 sq. ft., 21-station Dialysis Centre has been built with future expansion needs in mind and provides space and hook-ups for 26 dialysis stations. There are currently approximately 100 patients from Welland and surrounding communities suffering from chronic kidney disease who receive hemodialysis treatment at Welland's temporary Dialysis Unit.
The new Dialysis Centre opens for patients on June 2 and was made possible in part by a lead gift of $1 million from the Welland Hospital Auxiliary and the combined fundraising efforts of Welland Hospital Foundation, Port Colborne Hospital Foundation, Douglas Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Niagara Health System Foundation in support of the It's Our Time Campaign. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care contributed up to $6.3 million towards construction of the project and equipment purchases.
Complimentary parking for media and the public is available in the main hospital lot off Third Street.
