EitherI walk into the clinic like a lion, forgetting my illness, or I fold in on myself, and my illness worsens," described patient Nafiz Dandan, known as Abu Ata, referring to those who undergo kidney dialysis.
Abu Ata, a retired employee from the Water Department in Nablus Municipality who currently works in real estate for land and residential buildings, has been on dialysis for seven years, comparing it to an "official job."
Speaking about his experience, he said, "The beginning is challenging for everyone. There are inevitably some problems to face at the start of dialysis, whether they are health-related, psychological, or social, especially the acceptance of the illness and surrendering to fate." He added, "But our role as patients in this center is to make the patient feel like they are part of a united family and that we are always with them. We all share a common factor, which is the illness."
Abu Ata highlights the uniqueness of the center, where all educational and cultural levels are present in one place. He added, "You can find a university lecturer, a student, a teacher, a doctor, an employee, elderly people, and professionals all in one place and at the same time, without discrimination based on educational or social background. This strengthens our bonds as one family among the patients."
He stressed the importance of the nursing staff's interaction with the patients, saying, "Over the years, we must build friendly relationships with the nurses and the medical staff. The male and female nurses treat us like their fathers. Besides, they constantly care for us and check on each patient who is late for their dialysis to ensure their well-being."
Regarding the developments at the Kidney Disease Treatment Center at An-Najah National University Hospital, Dandan said, "There is a significant and clear difference between the past and the present. In the past, I had to wait for hours until it was my turn, and there were no designated parking spaces for my car, so I had to park it outside the hospital." He added, "Now, of course, the center is better. I can easily park my car, and there's no need to wait for hours. My seat is always ready for me."
He concluded, "We live as one family here. Anyone who wants to isolate themselves may lose out on this enjoyment. None of us chose this path, but it was destined for us, and we must accept it and continue with life."
It's worth noting that the new Kidney Disease Treatment Center at NNUH was opened in early 2023, accommodating 329 patients and divided into four dialysis rooms with 100 beds. This has reduced the working hours from four shifts to two, in addition to eliminating paper files and replacing them with a computerized digital system, saving approximately 1,000 sheets daily.
