Weeks after concerns about Selkirk’s dialysis program were brought to light, patients say the impact of those concerns has been uneven, with some noting small improvements and others reporting little change to their care.
The updates follow concerns raised earlier this year by patients and families regarding aspects of care, comfort and access within the dialysis program at Selkirk Regional Health Centre.
An IERHA spokesperson said the unit has recently implemented a handheld ultrasound device designed to assist nurses in accessing patient fistulas, the permanent access point used for dialysis treatments.
According to IERHA, the device helps improve accuracy during needle insertion, reducing the likelihood of multiple attempts, particularly in cases where access points are more difficult to locate.
“The new device improves the patient experience by making the fistula easier to locate, which reduces the potential for multiple attempts to gain fistula access, especially in difficult to visualize areas. Several patients have shared positive feedback about the improvement,” an IERHA spokesperson said.
In addition to aiding access, the ultrasound allows staff to better understand each patient’s vascular system.
“The new device also assists the nursing team to build a ‘map’ of a patients’ vascular system surrounding the fistula, identifying any potential challenging areas. It has also been a great tool to use with new patients to help identify the best access points right from their first treatment,” they explained.
IERHA noted the decision to introduce the technology was part of ongoing efforts to improve patient care, adding the device was identified by staff last summer as a beneficial addition. Training was completed in February 2026, and the device has been fully operational since then.
“This device has increased confidence and precision when accessing patient fistulas, which helps improve both efficiency and the patient experience,” the spokesperson said. “These improvements are especially meaningful for dialysis patients, who receive treatment several times a week over long periods of time.”
IERHA also emphasized that even small improvements can have a meaningful impact, especially for those who receive treatment multiple times per week.
Beyond the introduction of new technology, the health authority says additional updates have been made within the Selkirk dialysis program, including the purchase of two new multifunction chairs designed to improve comfort during treatment by allowing patients to easily transition between sitting and lying positions. The chairs were purchased in part using proceeds from the hospital gift shop, and they are expected to be delivered and fully functional by the end of May.
IERHA also pointed to previous plans to expand parking at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, aimed at reducing the burden of frequent visits for patients requiring ongoing care, including offering free parking for patients during the duration of their dialysis treatment— something that could save patients $600 annually.
In terms of clinical support, IERHA noted that the Kidney Health Manitoba Local Renal Health Centre team — which includes a nephrologist, nurse, pharmacist, social worker, dietitian and renal nurse educator — continues to visit the Selkirk unit regularly. The most recent visit took place in April 2026 and included patient assessments and treatment reviews. The health authority added that patients are involved in care decisions and that communication between care teams remains a priority.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen peer support among patients.
“Dialysis patients, in collaboration with Selkirk’s renal social worker, have also been working to develop a Patient Peer Support Program,” the spokesperson said.
Currently, six dialysis patients and six caregivers make up the Patient Peer Support Program, meeting regularly to discuss their treatment experiences and advocate for improvements. Members say that since the previous article appeared in the Selkirk Record publication, there have been some minor but meaningful changes.
Among the most notable improvements for patients is the introduction of free parking. Patients receive a designated sticker and have their licence plates recorded, although some noted the system is still being refined, with occasional reports of tickets still being issued.
Patients also reported meeting in person with the renal health team, including a nephrologist — an experience some say was a first after years of attending the unit.
They added communication around care has improved, with patients now being informed verbally and in writing about medication changes and treatment decisions. Some also said accommodations are being made more consistently to meet individual treatment needs.
Patients noted they are looking forward to the arrival of the new chairs and expressed appreciation for small additions within the unit, such as a poster honouring patients who have passed.
The group estimates that roughly half of the goals identified during their initial meetings have now been achieved.
“But we still got a long way to go,” one member added. “We aren’t here to harm anyone — we are here to make it better for ourselves and everyone involved.”
Despite the progress, patients say several concerns remain.
Some pointed to the temperature within the dialysis unit, which they say is currently set to 18 C. While patients acknowledge that cooler temperatures are required for equipment to function properly, they say the current setting adds to discomfort during lengthy treatments.
Others suggested additional entertainment options, such as televisions, tablets or games, could help improve the patient experience during sessions that often last several hours.
Accessibility around the hospital entrance was also raised, with patients noting the ramp is sometimes blocked by vehicles waiting in the drop-off loop. They suggested improved monitoring to ensure the space remains accessible for those who need it and suggested extending the ramp offering additional usage space.
Patients also expressed hope that nephrologists will be able to visit the unit more frequently, noting the positive impact of recent in-person interactions. None of the Patient Peer Support Program members reported having used the new handheld ultrasound device so far.
IERHA said its focus remains on delivering patient-centred care while continuing to respond to feedback.
“Selkirk’s dialysis team is committed to providing patients and their care providers with compassionate, high-quality care that is grounded in open communication, positive relationships and a solution-focused approach,” the spokesperson added.
Members of the Patient Peer Support Program say they hope communication continues to improve between patients, staff, IERHA and the renal program, noting that meaningful change begins with ongoing dialogue.
