Greene County News
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — The hemodialysis clinic at the 88th Medical Group within Wright-Patterson Air Force Base currently has openings to provide patients flexible and individualized dialysis care.
Prior to the unit’s expansion, which was officially one year ago Sept. 19, the clinic provided dialysis treatments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. To better accommodate patients, the clinic increased their patient census by 70 percent by doubling their capacity from three treatment days a week to six by adding Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“We offer much lower nurse to patient ratios than the majority of off base facilities along with more individualized care,” said First Lt. Michael Jacobson, hemodialysis unit officer in charge.
“Another major advantage is that our clinic is located in the hospital and patients can be treated immediately in the event of an emergency,” Jacobson said. “Many hemodialysis clinics off base are not located in a hospital so an ambulance would have to be called to transport the patient to a hospital. In addition, our staff is certified to perform emergency lifesaving measures so this is the best place for a patient to be.”
Retired master sergeant and former 88th MDG first sergeant John Pennix has been receiving dialysis treatments since May 2016 and has benefited from the personalized care and flexibility of treatment days.
“The staff is great here, they always talk to me, make me laugh and are constantly checking on me,” Pennix said. “I have this help button that I can use if something happens, but I hardly have to use it because they are prompt when the warning alarm goes off and they take care of me right away.”
“They are empathetic and understand your needs. Sometimes with off base facilities, the staff just does what they have to do but with the staff here, it is obvious it is something they want to do and that they want to be here to take care of me,” Pennix added.
The six chair hemodialysis unit currently has three dialysis treatment chairs open and are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For patients interested in receiving dialysis treatments at the 88th MDG hemodialysis clinic, or for additional information, contact the Nephrology clinic at 937-257-9052 or the central appointment line at 937-522-2778.
