Renal Center opens at Niagara Falls Memorial

Area residents in need of kidney dialysis services have a new option in Niagara with the opening of the Renal Center at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. 

The 17-station, $1.6 million facility has already welcomed nearly 50 patients.  It will serve more than 100 patients and create about 30 full- and part-time jobs when it reaches capacity.

“We’ve known for some time that our region has a critical need for additional dialysis capacity,” Memorial President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo said.  “Our new dialysis center will greatly improve the quality of life for hundreds of local patients who depend on this life sustaining treatment.”

The center is on the medical center’s ground floor and is easily accessible through the covered Pine Avenue entryway that for many years served as the entrance to Memorial’s former emergency room. 

“This drive-up entrance will be a real convenience for dialysis patient with mobility issues,” Ruffolo said.

Staffed by experienced clinicians including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and patient care technicians, the new center utilizes top-of-the-line technology in a bright, pleasant atmosphere that emphasizes patient comfort and convenience.  For example, a 22-inch flat screen television is installed at each patient station.

The medical director of the Renal Center at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is James T. Collier, M.D., a board certified nephrologist who has been a member of Memorial’s medical staff since 1995.  Sujatha Addagatla, M.D., is the center’s associate medical director.

The facility is managed by Tina L. Pembleton, R.N., C.N.N., a certified nephrology nurse and Niagara County Community College graduate with extensive experience as a dialysis coordinator and nursing director.

Specialized clinical equipment for the unit was purchased with state funds secured by Senator Antoine M. Thompson.

For information or an appointment, please call (716) 278-4639.