In order to provide a clean and hygienic environment in line with National Kidney Foundation (NKF) infection-control guidelines, the NKF, after careful study, has implemented the following policies since March 1:
Patients and accompanying visitors and staff must change into slippers provided by the NKF before entering the dialysis treatment area.
Before implementation, nurses at our 23 dialysis centres explained the rationale of the policies to patients to address their concerns.
With regard to the first policy, eating during dialysis makes a patient more prone to low blood pressure, as supported by clinical studies. This is also explained in notices at the dialysis centres. Patients are advised to be responsible and eat before dialysis.
However, patients should not worry if they have to rush to the dialysis centre from work, home or any other place as we will start their dialysis only after they have eaten. We have designated eating areas in every dialysis centre, outside the treatment area, should patients require a place to eat.
Should patients feel hungry during dialysis, they can tell their nurse and a snack and beverage will be served free of charge. We are committed to ensuring preparations meet hygiene standards. All preparations of food are supervised and all food is served by nursing staff.
With regard to the second policy of wearing slippers in dialysis centres, we understand the need for hygiene and have addressed this issue. We have already ordered slippers and supplies will be sufficient to provide every patient with a pair. For patients' convenience, a personal shoe bag will also be provided to store their personal footwear during dialysis. Meanwhile, all slippers are disinfected after every dialysis shift.
Patients with prosthetic appliances need only wipe down their feet on the dust mat before entering the dialysis centre.
Dr Mooppil Nandakumar
Head of Medical Services
National Kidney Foundation
Penny Seet (Ms)
Director of Nursing
National Kidney Foundation
