HALIFAX – Dialysis patients in Halifax have concerns about the inaccuracy of special weigh scales used in their treatment.
Kidney disease patients are required to visit the hospital three times a week – sometimes more – to be weighed. The industrial-type scales are used to allow nurses to record how much fluid needs to be removed from the dialysis patient.
Patients like Andy Harrison of Halifax want change.
“I don’t trust the scales anymore,” he says. “The scales have to be accurate because that’s what our treatments are based on.”
The scale Harrison is weighed on is also shared by 126 other patients. Many of them share his concerns.
Capital Health officials say the scale is two years old and typically serviced twice a year. It has, however been looked at more recently.
“They were calibrated by an external company six weeks ago and again we had them come in because of patient concerns and there was no issue found,” says a Capital Health representative.
Harrison has used the scales after they were recalibrated, both before fluid had been drained and after. He reported that the scale indicated he’d gained 0.1 kg after having 2 kg of fluid drained.
“If I am not getting the proper treatment, then that is taking time off my lifespan,” Harrison says.
He plans to continue his fight to improve the accuracy of the scales with the help of a lawyer.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelland Sundahl.
