AMC Dialysis Center Treating Patients in Tupper Lake

SARANAC LAKE - Adirondack Medical Center has begun caring for patients in its new Renal Dialysis Unit at AMC-Mercy in Tupper Lake in a setting that is both modern and comforting.

The opportunity to establish a dialysis treatment center in Tupper Lake was part of a broader expansion and renovation project for the community.  To better serve its patients, AMC constructed a Medical Office Building for an expanded health center and private physician offices, renovated significant portions of AMC-Mercy, a long term care facility, and relocated and upgraded the physical therapy and rehabilitation services from downtown Tupper Lake to the lower level of the AMC-Mercy building. 

Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that flushes toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so.  The treatment process is demanding, and reduced travel time can provide significant relief to the patient.  Eliminating the need to travel to AMC in Saranac Lake for dialysis is expected to benefit both residents and visitors to Tupper Lake and neighboring communities.  AMC will continue to treat patients at its dialysis unit in Saranac Lake, in addition to the Tupper Lake site.

The treatment center in Tupper Lake has already made a difference for resident Jim Arra, who was traveling 20 to 25 minutes to Saranac Lake for dialysis three times a week.  "That's when the weather is good," he added.  Now his travel time is only about 10 minutes.  Jim, who has been receiving dialysis treatment for about three and one-half years, spoke highly of the new dialysis center in Tupper Lake.

"It reminds me of a down-home, family-type of comfortable place," Jim said.  "It's great to be here and treated by nurses who care."

Jim remarked he has been to other larger treatment facilities when traveling, and there wasn't the same warm feeling like at AMC in Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.

On average, AMC provides 300 dialysis treatments per month, and currently has three treatment stations in Tupper Lake and four in Saranac Lake.  The dialysis unit at AMC-Mercy in Tupper Lake is one of only a handful of units statewide located at a long term care facility.

The regulatory aspect of operating a dialysis center is very stringent, and Congressman Bill Owens played a vital role in making sure AMC received the necessary federal approvals.

"Opening this new unit will cut down on travel time and improve care for dialysis patients in the Tri-Lakes region," said Congressman Owens.  "Bureaucracy can sometimes serve as a hurdle between our caregivers and their patients, and I am proud to have the opportunity to have worked with Adirondack Medical Center to help them clear that obstacle. I am glad to see them receive the tools they need to continue to provide quality care to their patients."

For more information about the programs and services at AMC, log onto www.amcCares.org. 

CAPTION:  Jim Arra, of Tupper Lake, settles in before he begins dialysis
at the new treatment center located at AMC-Mercy in Tupper Lake.

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