Kura Hulanda Announces Opening of the Curacao Dialysis Center

Recognizing the need for reputable dialysis centers internationally and in this case in the Caribbean, Curacao, in conjunction with the Kura Hulanda, has taken the first step toward allowing those in need of this life saving treatment the ability to tend to their medical needs while vacationing in Curacao.

Dialysis as a regular treatment began in 1960 and is now a standard treatment all around the world. The trend is growing, as is the medical tourism industry. Dialysis centers are located in every part of the United States, as well as a growing number internationally. Curacao is proud to be able to join this growing list of nations, and be able to offer dialysis treatment to both their own residents and visitors alike with the announcement of the opening of the Curacao Dialysis Center (CDC).

Centrally located in downtown Willemstad, the center first opened its doors in January 2006, but officially marked its opening with a ribbon cutting celebration in April.

“We understand that with a kidney disease it can prove to be difficult to find a place for a holiday. People that require dialysis treatment are often restricted in their travel, as the treatment is typically required three times a week,” commented Esther Rooijakers, CDC Manager. “We saw a need and decided we needed to take action. Curacao is such a unique destination in the Caribbean, we wanted anyone that was interested in traveling here to be able to, regardless of medical restrictions. CDC guarantees the best quality of care in a beautiful, friendly and luxury environment.”

CDC is located in the beautiful downtown area of Willemstad, looking over the St. Anna Bay to the colorful row of Dutch colonial inspired buildings of Handelskade. The Center is housed within a beautiful, monumental building (part of the UNESCO World Heritage site), restored in the same style as the adjacent Project Kura Hulanda, a unique 8-block complex consisting of a world class hotel, museum, business/conference facility, spa and multiple restaurants and boutiques.

“The reason behind the CDC is very simple – we wanted to make the island an option for travelers who require dialysis services. Not only did we want to build the center, but our goal was to create an environment that was of course sterile and safe, but also welcoming so that the three to four hour break that patients need to take from their vacation for treatment is as easy and pleasurable as possible,” stated Jacob Gelt Dekker, founder of Project Kura Hulanda.

The facility currently has 10 leather chairs, with a capacity for 40 patients each week. Each chair has its own flat screen TV, and the treatment room offers wireless high speed internet connection. Of course, safety comes first, and the CDC wastes nothing in ensuring that the facility is state of the art, as everything from the needles to hoses are disposable, there are separate rooms for infectious vs. non-infectious patients and even the trash bin has a special sanitizing mechanism.

The center also offers the latest technologies in the field of dialysis. Besides the latest Fresenius 2008K dialysis machine, the center uses ultra pure water that is produced by a sophisticated water treatment unit.

Additionally, the center is always stocked with an ample supply of equipment and resources. There is also a two hour water reserve for each treatment chair in the case of power loss so that treatments can be completed as there is also a large back up generator.

CDC provides the highest quality of care. All the staff nurses are qualified dialysis nurses and there is a fulltime technician present at the center. The CDC is in the progress of obtaining their ISO 9001 certification within the year.

To schedule a treatment at CDC, patients need to have an approval from their nephrologist. The cost is US $400 per treatment, with a one time doctor’s fee of US $95. Refund requests must be placed individually with a patient’s insurance company, as payment is required at time of service. Hotels and accommodations are nearby, including the adjacent Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino (www.kurahulanda.com), which can offer special prices and arrangements in conjunction with treatments.

The Curacao Dialysis Center (CDC) is a joint tourism project between Euro Medics (one of the largest European Medical Companies with over 40 Dialysis Centers throughout Europe), private investors and the Kura Hulanda. To schedule a treatment or for more information, call 011 599 9 434 7777 or e-mail info@Curacao-dialysis.com

Located in Willemstad, Curacao, the Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino is an 80-room luxury boutique resort featuring meticulously restored 18th and 19th century Dutch Colonial Caribbean buildings around several glorious courtyards. Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino, a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World, offers outstanding dining options and is part of a village complex known as Project Kura Hulanda, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To learn more about the Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino visit www.kurahulanda.com

May 31, 2006   Posted in: Caribbean