Renal Program

• In Centre Hemodialysis - Supervised dialysis treatment using a hemodialysis machine in an outpatient setting at scheduled times. 
• Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) - Dialysis occurs through the abdominal cavity with the use of a PD catheter while at home.
• Home Dialysis - A hemodialysis machine will be installed in your own home (no cost). 
• Transplant - Although it is not a cure, transplants are a form of treatment that does not require the patient to participate in frequent dialysis treatment.
• Conservative Care - Patients have the right to decline dialysis treatment at any point if they feel it no longer provides them with quality of life.

• Jeanne Mance - Parking is complimentary (1 pass per patient) at 1030 Ouellette Ave. Parking passes can be picked up at the Jeanne Mance Building. Please ensure the pass is placed face-up on the vehicle dashboard to avoid ticketing.
• Bell Building - Parking is available at 1147 Goyeau Street in the dialysis patient parking lot. Complimentary tokens are available from the clerk at the front desk upon exit after your treatment.
• Leamington - Free parking is available in the front lot of the unit entrance. Parking passes are available at  Erie Shores Healthcare Business Office.  A deposit is required for the pass and is reimbursed upon return.  

• Driver - for the first 3-6 treatments it is important to bring a driver as you may feel tired or lightheaded after dialysis.
• Health card 
• Wear loose clothing - This will allow the dialysis nurse to access your dialysis catheter or fistula .
• Headset/headphones - Please bring your own headset to use with the television. 
• Reading material/alternate forms of entertainment 
• A Clean blanket -The unit can be cool at times. The unit does not provide blankets.

• Prior to treatment, you are required to wash your hands before entering the unit, wash your access (if they have a fistula or graft) in the patient wash area and obtain your weight. If assistance is required, a staff member or volunteer will help you.
• Your blood pressure will be taken (standing and sitting).
• The dialysis nurse will clean your access with antiseptic before dialysis starts. You may need to wear a mask depending on your type of access.
• While you are on dialysis, your nurse will check you frequently to assess your condition. 
• If you experience any unusual symptoms during or after your treatment, such as light-headedness, headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, loss of hearing or leg cramps, notify your nurse immediately.

• Eating while on dialysis diverts blood to the stomach for digestion which may decrease blood flows and result in a more challenging dialysis. 
• You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
• Decreased blood volume during your treatment can also cause low blood pressure and cramping. 
• Your position during your treatment also places you at risk for choking.
• In a hemodialysis unit, you can be exposed to body fluids and germs. It is not sanitary to have food in close contact with blood, sputum or bandages. 
• Crumbs can also attract unwanted pests. 

• Do not bring food into the hemodialysis unit. 
• If you need a snack for medical reasons, bring a small snack only for yourself and do not share with other people (dietitian approved).
• Wash your hands before and after eating. 
• Heat any foods and get your water or ice before your treatment starts.
• Visitors are not allowed to eat in treatment areas.

The patient or family makes the initial contact with the dialysis center they wish to travel to so as to arrange dates for dialysis. At that time, the patient or family must request the receiving unit to send transfer forms to us for completion. Often, a number of tests are required. Please allow plenty of time for this information to be organized. Most units will not confirm your travel until all information is received.

It is best to get prior approval from OHIP when travelling out of province. All units out of Canada charge varying fees that are the responsibility of the patient. OHIP may pay a small portion for each dialysis treatment for qualifying patients. Additional fees may be charged. Be sure to get the costs or additional costs charged at the dialysis centre you are travelling to in writing.