Source: New renal unit for Parirenyatwa – herald
Herald Reporter
PARIRENYATWA Group of Hospitals is set to transform renal care in Zimbabwe with the establishment of a new world-class renal unit, expected to be operational by the end of August.
The unit, which will house 21 advanced dialysis machines, is expected to ease the burden on the country’s dialysis services and improve the quality of life for renal patients.
Speaking during a tour of the facility yesterday, Sister-in-charge of the renal unit, Pretty Machawira, said the new section marked a major upgrade.
“We are now in the new section of the renal unit. We have 21 machines similar to the one in the hospital. We are also introducing electrically adjustable beds to enhance patient comfort and improve positioning to suit the height of the patient and also the position of the dialysis catheter to avoid complications during dialysis,” she said.
About 85 patients require dialysis every day, with only three treatment sessions offered per day.
“With the new machines, we are going to improve our services. Patients will be able to receive the required number of hours and sessions per week, which is critical for their survival,” she added.
The development comes at a crucial time, as Zimbabwe continues to face growing cases of kidney-related illnesses, many of which require long-term dialysis treatment.
Hospital spokesperson Mr Terrence Mautsi hailed the new unit as a milestone in the hospital’s mission to provide quality healthcare.
“We are putting up a world-class renal unit that’s going to cater for 21 patients. It is part of the broader effort by Parirenyatwa to improve access to quality healthcare for all Zimbabweans,” he said.
He added that the hospital was undertaking several renovations and expansions, including a new paediatric surgery theatre, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the facility.
Meanwhile, the paediatric operating theatres at the hospital, recently renovated with support from Smile Train, are now fully operational and delivering on their promise of safe surgery for every child.
Operating theatre sister nurse Madazvipi Musodza said operations in the new theatre had begun in April, with the first successful procedure being a six-hour surgery to remove a mandible tumour.
“The patient has already been discharged. Since then, the team has performed additional surgeries, including tonsillectomies, with positive outcomes. We cater for children from zero to 12 years, across all specialities, from neural, eye, general surgery to plastics. The environment suits the children, and we are very happy that we have started using the theatres,” she said.
As the hospital continues to expand its capacity and modernise critical care services, these developments signal renewed hope for patients of all ages who rely on Zimbabwe’s largest referral hospital.
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