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Patients embrace improved facilities at Greene County Medical Arts complex

By Colin DeVries

GREENE COUNTY — The population of this nation is grower older each day.

As of July 2007, the median age of the U.S. population was 36.6 years, while in 2000, the median age was 35.3, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Greene County Medical Arts complex has made critical improvements to meet the needs of our aging population, and to accommodate the record number of baby boomers reaching retirement age.

A new $1 million dialysis unit was unveiled this year to provide residents with state-of-the-art facilities.

There are 24 new dialysis stations that come equipped with numerous amenities to keep patients comfortable during the treatment process, including flat panel TV’s and comfortable new chairs. It is conveniently located next door to the Kaaterskill Care Skill Nursing and Rehab facility in Catskill.

Dr. Vinny Anand, nephrology specialist, said that the facility will also serve “transient patients” that need dialysis while visiting their vacation homes in the area.

The 20-plus staff members are fully trained to assist the needs of the patients. Staff is also on hand to train patients in peritoneal dialysis, so they can realize independence and freedom of treatment.

A new sleep lab was also part of the improvements to the medical arts center and is the first of its kind for Greene County. The lab is designed to treat sleep disorders and determine if treatment can be administered.

“People who are suspected of having sleep apnea stay overnight and are monitored,” said Anand.

Heart rhythm and breathing patterns are analyzed and often times, in the case of sleep apnea, the disorder can be treated.

The modern sleep lab is equipped with experienced sleep lab technicians, comfortable beds, flat panel TVs and provides refreshments and coffee in the morning.

Charles Spence, of Cairo, attended the old dialysis center on the second floor and loves the new upgrade downstairs. “It’s nice and cool in here, and the people are nice,” he said. “They get to you quick here ... they treat me well.”

“The ultimate goal is to provide patients in the county with excellent care so they don’t have to travel to Albany or elsewhere,” said Anand.

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