94-05-13 U.Va. opens one-stop Kidney Center

                                           RELEASE ON RECEIPT

                                         Contact: Katherine Jackson

               U.VA. OPENS ONE-STOP KIDNEY CENTER
     CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. May 14--The state's first one-stop center
for diagnosing and treating kidney diseases will open Monday at the
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center.  Using the latest
technology, the new centralized facility is expected to perform
more than 25,000 medical procedures a year.
     "U.Va. has the only single-site kidney center in Virginia.
Previously patients visited at least four different sites for
various services," says Dr. W. Kline Bolton, medical director.  The
center, which receives U.Va. patient referrals from around the
world, consolidates kidney services and clinical research.
     A team of 60 medical professionals, social workers,
dietitians, technicians and other staff will provide treatment to
patients in a comfortable and convenient setting.  A patient on
dialysis, a complex four to five hour procedure that artificially
performs kidney functions, can receive other renal services while
waiting.
     "Dialysis patients, who are stuck here for the rest of their
lives, need good medical care and a good quality of life.  And we
can offer that," says Bolton.  Most dialysis patients need
treatment three times weekly until a suitable organ is available
for transplantation, if they are lucky, he said.
     Bolton explains that most kidney disease is preventable.
Hypertension and diabetes are factors that can lead to kidney
disease.
     Procedures available in the Kidney Center include a clinic, 29
dialysis stations, home dialysis training, transplant options and
clinical research.
     "These various procedures and tests are of special importance
to patients with kidney disease and would normally be available in
different locations through the Medical Center," says Bolton.
     Bolton envisions the one-stop patient concept as a mechanism
to "provide optimal care for kidney patients using private practice
theory in an academic medical setting."
     The $2.5 million renovated structure is located on the fifth
floor of the west hospital facility.  Designated parking is
available close to the facility and staff will be stationed in the
hospital lobby to assist patients to the new center.
     For more information, call Dr. Bolton at 924-5590.
                               ###
                                           May 13, 1994
Charlotte A. Buttner, Program Support Technician, Health
Sciences Center News Office McKim Hall Room 3116, #429,
Charlottesville, Va.  22908  804-924-5679, cab2j@virginia.edu
CompuServe 72203,1033


[Submitted by:  (cab2j@dmt03.mcc.virginia.edu)
               13 May 94 14:07:12 EDT]