The new dialysis unit at St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan is already busy serving residents in the Sun Country Health Region.

Having a unit in the southeast has already proven extremely beneficial for patients who previously had to travel to Regina three times a week for treatment.

CEO of the Sun Country Health Region Cal Tant says the staff working there are very qualified.

Staff have to take a 12 week course to bring the RN's up to speed with the use of the unit.

Tant adds it's been a long time coming for a unit to be introduced to residents in the southeast.

Prior to the unit being operational, dialysis patients in the southeast had to travel to Regina three times a week for treatment.

Twelve patients are currently receiving dialysis treatment in Estevan, but they will continue to be assessed by a Kidney Specialist in Regina.