The Spanish National Kidney Federation ALCER (member of EKPF) extends its condolences and full support to the families affected by the recent severe weather event in Valencia, Spain. We also want to express our concern for the challenges faced by kidney patients currently undergoing dialysis treatment.
The restricted access to various towns in the Valencia region has complicated transportation for patients requiring hemodialysis at healthcare facilities, as well as the delivery of essential supplies for those undergoing home dialysis treatments, such as peritoneal and home hemodialysis.
ALCER entities in the affected areas are working closely with the Civil Guard and Emergency Services to ensure that all patients facing access issues can reach their dialysis centers and receive this life-saving treatment. However, the severe weather event has impacted both ambulance fleets and infrastructure, leading to longer waits and extended travel times.
The Spanish National Federation of ALCER Associations also calls on the relevant authorities to take urgent action to ensure that dialysis patients in the Valencia region can continue their vital hemodialysis treatments.
Currently, five dialysis centers remain closed, preventing regular access to treatment. The regional health authorities are working to restore these services as soon as possible and have relocated patients from these centers to nearby facilities. Daniel Gallego, President of the National Federation of ALCER and of EKPF, stated that “under the current conditions, getting to dialysis centers has become an extraordinarily difficult and challenging task for patients who need to continue their treatment.”
ALCER also highlights the need for resources to support kidney patients who may receive a transplant alert, ensuring that severe weather does not obstruct access to this crucial opportunity.