Health x Wellness
Strengthening Care Continuity: SATA CommHealth Opens First Dialysis Centre to Tackle Rising Kidney Disease
SATA CommHealth has opened its first dedicated Dialysis Centre in Fernvale, marking a significant expansion of its integrated healthcare services.
The centre is a direct response to the escalating public health concern surrounding chronic kidney disease in Singapore and reinforces the organisation’s mission to provide affordable, patient-focused care.
The new SATA CommHealth Dialysis Centre is located at 410 Fernvale Road. It currently operates 15 dialysis stations and is purpose-built to eventually accommodate a total of 25 dialysis stations. The facility is fully equipped to deliver both haemodialysis (HD) and haemodiafiltration (HDF) services.
The launch is timely, as kidney disease remains a major public health issue in Singapore, with factors like high salt consumption and sedentary lifestyles contributing to the rise. As of December 2023, there were 10,836 Singapore residents on some form of kidney replacement therapy, with 74 percent of those on haemodialysis.
Dr Kelvin Phua, Chief Executive Officer of SATA CommHealth, emphasised the centre’s mission: “Opening our first dialysis centre represents more than a milestone… it is a direct response to an escalating public health need. We are committed to strengthening care continuity and ensuring that no patient is left behind, especially those from underserved communities.”
A Commitment to Affordable, Quality Care
The centre places a strong emphasis on addressing financial anxieties. Mdm Yuwana Binte Sarif, a newly initiated patient, shared how she was initially hesitant to begin lifelong dialysis treatment due to cost concerns. She found assurance only after SATA’s social workers explained the subsidies and support available, giving her the confidence to proceed.
The centre’s commitment to quality care is bolstered by an advanced, water-efficient Central Reverse Osmosis (RO) System. This is critical for patient safety, as haemodialysis patients are exposed to large volumes of water (up to 120 litres per session) that directly enter the bloodstream.
Key safety and sustainability features of the RO system include:
- High-Performance Purification: It removes contaminants, dissolved salts, bacteria, and chemical impurities through a semi-permeable membrane.
- Zero Dead Space Design: A continuous loop system eliminates stagnant water, thus reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
- Full Heat Disinfection Capability: This automatically disinfects the membranes and distribution loops, preventing microorganism and biofilm buildup while minimising the use of chemicals.
- Water Savings: An “ECO mode” automatically adjusts water usage during low-demand periods, and dynamic yield control adjusts water usage up to 85 percent of the inlet water.
Holistic and Patient-Centred Support
SATA CommHealth’s approach goes beyond simply administering treatment. It is built on a patient-first model, where every dialysis prescription is customised based on detailed clinical and medical assessments.
Holistic care services include:
- Nutritional Guidance: Individualised dietary counselling is provided, which is crucial in Singapore where high-sodium diets are common.
- Continuous Monitoring: Nurses conduct physical assessments before, during, and after dialysis sessions to ensure a safe and responsive approach.
- Prevention and Empowerment: Regular education workshops are held for patients and caregivers on topics such as fluid and dietary management, vascular access care, and medication compliance.
- Body Composition Monitoring (BCM): Used for more accurate fluid or hydration status and nutritional assessments.
The centre’s dedication to care continuity received a generous boost from IX Metals, a global metals and minerals trading company, which donated a standby dialysis machine. This crucial standby machine ensures uninterrupted care in the event of a machine breakdown, reinforcing the commitment that “no patient is left without the care they need”.
The new SATA CommHealth Dialysis Centre is open Mondays to Fridays from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Saturdays, with future plans to extend operating hours to 11:00 PM.
