The Nephrology Program
The Nephrology Program at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital consists of a Hemodialysis Unit, a Nephrology Clinic and a Progressive Renal Disease Clinic.
The Hemodialysis Unit is an 8 station unit that provides Hemodialysis treatments to patients from across Renfrew County and the surrounding areas. The unit is staffed by two Nephrologists (i.e. kidney specialists), a group of specially trained physicians and nurses, a dietitian, a pharmacist, a social worker, a dialysis technologist and a laboratory technologist. Each patient has one nurse designated as their primary nurse to oversee their total care. The unit is open Monday to Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. It is located on the first floor of the hospital, near the main entrance. It is situated on the same level as the emergency department, which means immediate access to critical care facilities. The laboratory, x-ray department, hospital gift shop and cafeteria are all within close proximity. Free reserved parking for dialysis patients is available near the unit.
The Nephrology Clinic at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital provides services one day per week for patients with kidney related issues. Patients are seen on a consultation basis. Referrals are received from family physicians in and around Renfrew County and appointments are scheduled through the dialysis unit at Renfrew Victoria Hospital at 613-432-4851 ext. 201.
The Progressive Renal Disease Clinic operates as a separate entity from the Nephrology Clinic, although referrals are most often received from that clinic. Patients who have end-stage kidney disease attend this clinic on a monthly basis. They are referred to the program for the following reasons:
- To monitor the progression of their kidney failure
- To assist the patient in making necessary dietary, medication and social changes required to live with their disease and prolong the time before dialysis treatment is required.
- To provide the patient with information so that they may make an informed decision about treatment options.
This multi-disciplinary program provides education and support to patients and their families. The patient is invited to attend several education sessions with a nurse, a dietitian, a pharmacist and a social worker. The topics covered during these sessions include kidney function and disease, the signs and symptoms of uremia, diet, a medication review, treatment options and lifestyle implications.
The Dialysis Unit
Our unit has a home-like atmosphere with comfort items that include:
- A patient waiting area and panty
- Reading materials
- An ice machine
- Air conditioning
Each of the dialysis stations include:
- State of the art dialysis machines
- A 6 position reclining chair.
- A remote control television, V.C.R. and AM/FM cassette radio
- Privacy curtains
- Telephone
- Nurse call button
What is expected of the patient?
It is the patient's responsibility to get to and from the dialysis unit. Patients are asked to do such things as take their own weight and get themselves a drink or ice if required. Meals are not provided in the unit but can be purchased in the cafeteria.
How to access our services
Referrals to the Nephrology Clinic or the Renal Disease Clinic must be made by a physician. Appointments can be made through Renfrew Victoria Hospital, Dialysis Unit at 613-432-4851 ext. 201. Referrals to the Dialysis Unit can be made by the patient, their family, a nurse, physician or other healthcare professional by calling the RVH Hemodialysis Unit. The patient must meet the medical criteria for admission to the unit. Patients will be accepted on a "first come - first served" basis according to the date of their referral. The Dialysis Unit will also accept travelling patients who are visiting Renfrew and the surrounding area.
|
