Release Date: 8/25/2009 Headline: Howard Coble to Visit Alamance Regional: Dialysis Now Available for Patient   U.S. Rep. Howard Coble will visit Alamance Regional Medical Center this week to learn more about a new service offered to area residents. Dialysis patients are now able to receive inpatient care at Alamance Regional Medical Center. The hospital administered its first dialysis treatment in late July. Previously, area residents who needed dialysis during inpatient hospitalization had to travel to medical facilities outside of Alamance County. The new service also allows Alamance Regional to treat patients with compromised renal function who are at risk of needing dialysis while hospitalized. Two nephrologists, physicians who are kidney specialists, have joined the Alamance Regional medical staff and oversee the patients undergoing dialysis care at the hospital. These physicians also offer follow-up care at local outpatient dialysis centers. Portable dialysis equipment allows patients to receive dialysis at the bedside. In the near future, a room with stationary dialysis equipment will also be available. Currently, 250 people in Alamance County require dialysis. “Adding dialysis services to our inpatient units allows area residents who need dialysis to receive skilled hospital care close to home,” says Preston Hammock, Vice President, Alamance Regional. “This is much more convenient for patients and families.” Media Advisory: U.S. Rep. Howard Coble will visit Alamance Regional to see the dialysis services offered on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at approximately 2 p.m. Media members who would like to attend are asked to contact the Alamance Regional Public Relations Department at 586-3596 or 538-7000. ###