Dialysis patients applaud closure reversal

Prince Edward Islanders who require dialysis were pleased to hear Tuesday the province has reversed a decision to consolidate treatment in Charlottetown and Summerside.

The decision to close the dialysis centres in Souris and Alberton was announced last spring. After protests, it was delayed for a year, and on Tuesday the decision was reversed.

That was good news for Nathan Bushey. The Souris resident has been on dialysis for nearly two years, and this past year has been particularly difficult.

"To take away that stress of having to travel, it's quite a burden to lift off," said Bushey.

"Good ministers make good decisions based on good information. And we went out there, and we provided good information, and in the end a good decision was made."

It was not all good news for Souris. The province also announced the Souris Hospital will become an extended care facility, and no longer offer acute care beds. That's a concern for Mayor David MacDonald.

"I realize that health care is very, very expensive, but I feel there are places closer to Charlottetown that could stand a cut in budget much more easily," said MacDonald.

The Souris announcements were part of sweeping changes announced for health care in rural P.E.I. Over the next month, officials will travel across the province to outline the full set of changes.

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