Trapani (gro) In beautiful western Sicily, fellow kidney patients are offered the experience of a largely carefree vacation, and have been for over 40 years. Back in 1975, a dialysis center was established in the province of Trapani, in the small town of Valderice. The idea of offering chronic kidney patients from all over the world an attractive, uplifting vacation despite their handicap has grown into a complete success. A second clinic for dialysis patients was established a few years ago in Alcamo, 50 kilometers further east (towards Palermo).
Dialysis clinic up to date.
The dialysis clinic in Valderice, which has been expanded several times, is managed by nephrologist Dr. Filippo Mucaria (photo: mucmed) . The clinic, picturesquely situated between the sea and wooded hills, has been developed into a state-of-the-art treatment center. It can care for and accommodate over 100 patients. The regularly required blood washing is offered on a vacation basis and at exceptionally low cost, also in conjunction with its own vacation apartments and contracted hotels. The second clinic in Alcamo, also designed for vacationing dialysis patients can care for 80 people. It is managed by Dr. Annalisa Di Martino .
All that is needed is the European Health Insurance Card.
Filippo Mucaria is considered one of the pioneers of hemodialysis in the province of Trapani (photo: Via Vittorio Emmanule). Both care centers, in Valderice and Alcamo, are equipped with the Fresenius 5008 artificial kidney. And in both Valderice and Alcamo, the European Health Insurance Card is accepted. In both dialysis centers, a well-coordinated team of kidney specialists takes care of the patients’ well-being. The clinics are equipped with their own laboratories, and there is even an operating room available for emergencies.
Blood washing and patient transport free of charge.
With the European Insurance Card, patients do not incur any additional costs: blood washing and patient transport (from the vacation apartment or hotel and back) are free of charge. In addition, special offers from the two dialysis centers always include free accommodation not only for patients but also for those accompanying them. “With us,” says Dr. Filippo Mucaria with a smile, “the dialysis patient really experiences a vacation.” All those with health insurance in the EU, Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are entitled to the European Health Insurance Card.
In the midst of a wonderful vacation landscape.
Valderice is located at the foot of the legendary Mont’ Erice, crowned at an altitude of 700 meters by the medieval town of Erice with the seat of the Center for Scientific Culture. Nearby is Segesta with a beautifully preserved 3500 year old Doric temple of the Elymians. Not far away is Mozia, where the Phoenicians once ruled. The enchanting Scopello (picture: wikicommons) with its offshore Faraglioni (which Steven Sonderbergh used with Georges Clooney as a backdrop for the final scene of “Oceans 12”) can be reached from Valderice as well as from Alcamo in 20 minutes for a swim in crystal clear water. Selinunte, the temple city founded 3000 years ago by Greek colonists, with the lively fishing village of Marinella, is also not far. Moreover, the dialysis centers also organize day trips to the Egadi Islands off Trapani.
Comprehensive information on the Internet.
Dr. Filippo Mucaria’s dialysis centers provide comprehensive information on their website, which is also available in German. With a little patience, all contact details including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses can be found there. In addition, there is a list of prices, service specifications and much more.
The best way to access the information package is via the Internet address http://www.dialisimucaria.it/de/.
