West Bay Health Centre opens dialysis unit

Dialysis patients in West Bay can now receive treatment closer to home with the opening of a new dialysis unit at the West Bay Health Centre by the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA).

The new unit started its operations in August 2025 and is equipped with two advanced B Braun dialysis machines, which are known for their precision and efficiency, and two comfortable dialysis chairs. The highly qualified staff at the facility are certified in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), ensuring that patients receive the best possible care in the event of an emergency. “With its modern equipment and skilled staff, our new dialysis unit is fully equipped to provide high-quality dialysis treatment to those in need,” said HSA’s Dialysis Unit Nurse Manager, Erlin McLeod.

The opening of the dialysis unit is part of a major initiative by the HSA to continue improving quality and accessibility for patients across districts. Speaking at the opening of the unit on 7 August 2025, Acting CEO of HSA, Dr. Delroy Jefferson stated, “The opening of this new dialysis unit is another significant step in HSA's commitment to equitable access to care for all residents, regardless of their district.”

Deputy Chair of the HSA Board Joy Vernon said, “This is an important occasion. For too long, patients living in our outer districts have faced the burdensome challenge of travelling to and from George Town several times a week to access vital dialysis treatment. That is no longer the case, from today onward, our patients can receive high-quality, life-sustaining care in the district of West Bay. Let us move forward together, with the assurance that distance should never be a barrier to access and quality care. May the new Dialysis Unit serve the West Bay community with excellence, compassion, and pride for many years to come.”

Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment & Sustainability, said the opening carries personal meaning for her. “My late father passed away from renal failure, so seeing expanded dialysis services in West Bay is profoundly meaningful to me and he would have been immensely proud. I extend my thanks to the dedicated staff, the Senior Management Team and Board of the Health Services Authority, and every partner who helped bring this project to life. This facility will greatly enhance the quality of life for patients in the district.”

HSA Nephrologist Dr. Ikechi Okpechi noted, “There were several dialysis patients from the West Bay area accessing services at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital. The opening of our new facility will greatly benefit both existing and future patients in terms of convenience and travel.”

He added that patients can expect the same high-quality care at the new facility as they do in all HSA facilities.

The hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The HSA is continuously expanding to cater to the growing local population. Some of its recent initiatives include the expansion of its Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine teams, as well as the ongoing development of its Accident and Emergency Department. The Authority also continues to improve access to important medical care by providing residents of the Sister Islands with remote consultations with clinicians in Grand Cayman and investing in medical technology such as the recent installation of a new cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner at Faith Hospital.

“Our strategic plan is to not only augment our capacity and expand the array of services provided but also to extend our reach into communities. By extending into communities, we aim to bridge healthcare gaps, promote preventive care, and create a more inclusive and healthier environment for residents,” explained Dr. Jefferson.

HSA operates the largest dialysis unit in the Cayman Islands, providing services to residents and visitors, including cruise passengers, who can schedule ahead of their visit. The Dialysis Unit at Anthony S. Eden Hospital can accommodate up to 13 dialysis patients at a time and dialyse an average of 33 to 39 patients per day. A dialysis chair is also available at Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac for residents and visitors from the Sister Islands.

To contact the Dialysis Unit, call 244-2624 or 244-2679.