Letter: Dialysis Treatment – ​​Mirror Lake to Trail 3 times a week

I live in a small community called Mirror Lake and have kidney disease.

I was shocked when they told me I had the disease, but even more shocked when they told me I had to move to the Trail. I tried living there but couldn't stand it.

Living at Mirror Lake is a much better therapy for me, but for 16 years I have had to drive to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail three times a week. It's a long and tiring three hour drive each way. I usually leave at 3:45am and arrive at the trail around 6:30am. In the winter I drive slowly due to hazardous road conditions and the presence of wildlife.

It would be much better if I could drive to Nelson. My life would be much better if there was a hemodialysis unit in Nelson. My biggest problem is the cost. I appreciate the assistance I receive from the government, but high gas prices and high mileage have forced me to buy a new car. So I spend $900 a week on gas and maintenance. I have paid over $250,000 in the last six years and the government subsidy I receive does not cover this cost. The BC Ministry of Renal and Interior Health should install a hemodialysis unit at Kootenay Lake Hospital for kidney patients in the Nelson-Creston electorate who suffer from debilitating physical and financial hardships like me.

Linda C. Barrett

Mirror Lake