Schneider Regional Hails Completion of Kidney Dialysis Unit Expansion

Top officials of the Bryan Administration and Schneider Regional Medical Center celebrated the completed expansion of the St. Thomas kidney dialysis unit. A ribbon-cutting event was held Wednesday afternoon at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital.

Wednesday’s gathering marked the end of a year-long effort to add 12 more hemodialysis units to the second-floor space that those with advanced kidney disease rely on. Schneider Regional Chief Executive Officer Tina Comissiong said the additional units will allow the hospital to break its reliance on outside health providers to care for kidney patients on St. Thomas and St. John. A similar expansion project is being planned for the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix, officials said.

“This expansion is a wonderful and significant investment in the health and future of the Virgin Islands,” Comissiong said. “Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that approximately 130 persons in the St. Thomas-St. John district need.” Up to 60 more patients can now be accommodated, the med center chief said. The dialysis unit nurse administrator said over the years, she has kept a list of patients asking for care at Schneider Hospital.