Dialysis Institute
Every year the number of people in Israel with chronic kidney failure increases. Recent statistics show that more than 3800 patients were on dialysis and more than 270 kidney transplants were performed annually.
When kidney failure occurs, only two options are available: kidney transplant or dialysis. Because of the limited number of kidneys available in Israel for transplant, dialysis becomes the only viable alternative. Every day, forty or more patients are forced to travel from Ashdod to the nearest major medical center to receive this essential treatment.
Hence one of the central facilities of AMC is the approximately 1800 sq. foot (170 sq. meter) Dialysis Unit. The Dialysis Unit is designed to provide enhanced dialysis treatment for patients with kidney failure. It is a multi-disciplinary facility offering the expertise of nephrologists, registered nurses, dialysis technicians, dietitians and social workers. It is planned to meet the diverse needs of referring physicians, patients and families. Each patient will obtain individual, local, professional, compassionate care.
At the insistence of the Homeland Security Administration of the IDF, the unit will be constructed in order to be secure against rockets fired from Gaza and other emergency situations. The AMC Dialysis Unit will be the only one between Tel Aviv and Beer Sheba safe against rocket attack.
Dialysis sustains life. The Unit will be equipped with nine dialysis stations (one with increased isolation capability) each one constructed to ensure patient comfort. Given that dialysis may be necessary three or four times weekly, each session lasting up to five hours, patient comfort is an essential ingredient for successful treatment.
Upon arrival at the Unit, intake staff records the patient's history and other vital information. The patient then sees a specialist for complete renal assessment including blood tests, renal function, renal ultra-sound, insulin evaluation, assessment of bodily fluid expulsion. On the basis of the results a nephrologist (kidney doctor) prepares an individual treatment program which includes the patient's medical details and scheduling of the dialysis.
Additionally, regularly scheduled monthly health evaluations are carried out to ensure the general health of each patient. The aged and infirm of Ashdod and its environs will be transported to the Unit to ensure that nothing prevents their receiving their life sustaining dialysis.
Three categories of dialysis will be available in the Unit.
Hemodialysis is the process in which blood is cleaned within a machine that pumps blood out of the body, then through a filtration system to remove impurities and then back into the body.
Peritoneal Dialysis unlike hemodialysis is done at home. AMC staff will train the patient and his family to carry out this treatment.
Dialysate Iron Therapy is for the treatment of iron deficiency in the dialysis patient population.

The Dialysis Center is one of the most awaited units of the Ashdod Medical Center and will minimize the long trips that Ashdod patients undergo today just to stay alive. This modern, attractive facility is designed to provide an environment that is as pleasant as possible for patients undergoing treatment.