New Haemodialysis Unit Is Life-Changing for Ajax Resident

For years, Midori Kato drove her mother, Taeko Hijikata, three times a week from their home in Ajax to her dialysis appointments at the Oshawa Hospital. Now, with the opening of the new haemodialysis unit at Lakeridge Gardens, they are able to walk across the street from their home to Taeko’s appointments in just five minutes.

Midori’s brother noticed the dialysis sign when driving by Lakeridge Gardens one day and they immediately inquired. 

“Because of her cognitive and physical decline, my brother and I started taking turns going to her appointments with her at the Oshawa Hospital,” explains Midori. “Dialysis appointments are generally four hours but a lot of the time it was an all-day event when using specialized services, waiting, and commuting. My family and I share one vehicle and my brother is the only one who can help her get in the car safely. It became really challenging for all of us.”

Due to a combination of medical issues, Taeko began receiving dialysis in 2014 – a procedure to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys don’t function properly. In 2018, Taeko suffered multiple strokes and required additional support from Midori and her brother.

Taeko has been receiving dialysis at the new clinic located inside Lakeridge Gardens since August 24. Midori says her and her family have more freedom now that Taeko’s appointments are so close to their home.

“Most days we walk over and I’m able to come home in between her treatments,” says Midori. “We no longer need to rely on my brother or one vehicle. It truly feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders.”

The nine-station haemodialysis unit provides increased access to critical health-care services to residents like Taeko in Durham Region. The new clinic also enables an increased quality of life for Lakeridge Gardens’ residents who can access treatment in the comfort of their own home.

“We are so grateful for the amazing staff,” says Midori. “When you have someone that needs full-time care, your life revolves around their schedule. Having this clinic close to home has taken away so much stress and has brought a sense of normalcy back into our lives.”

Midori and Taeko attended the official opening of the haemodialysis clinic on November 18, along with government partners and Lakeridge Health team members. Learn more about the new clinic in the news release here.