River Valley Health operates two satellite hemodialysis units. Each provides
hemodialysis treatments and related services to adult clients living with
chronic renal failure, who require in-centre dialysis treatments on a regular
basis.
The Fredericton unit opened on July 5, 2000, and is
situated in a community-based setting near the Dr. Everett
Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton. It operates six
days a week, and in August, 2005, underwent an expansion to
allow it to accommodate 28 patients, the majority of whom
require three –four hour dialysis treatments a week, 52
weeks of the year. The unit is supported by local emergency
/ ambulance services.
The Upper River Valley hemodialysis
unit opened on November 9, 2005. It moved to its permanent
location in the Upper River Valley Hospital on November 17,
2007. It operates 3 days a week, accommodating 10 patients.
Linked Externally : Patients / Clients from the
region who suffer from chronic renal failure are referred to
the Nephrology program at the Atlantic Health Sciences
Centre in Saint John for initial care planning. If it is
determined that they will continue to need in-centre
treatments on an on-going basis, they may then be referred
to the River Valley Health hemodialysis unit closest to
their home for their ongoing dialysis treatments. Medical
Nephrology care is provided by the Nephrologists from the
Atlantic Health Science Centre in Saint John while patients
receive their treatments in the River Valley Health
Hemodialysis Units.
Paediatric clients with chronic renal failure are
normally referred to the Isaac Walton Killam Health Centre
in Halifax for initial treatment planning, following which
they are usually placed on a home dialysis program.
Technology – The River Valley Health Hemodialysis units
are modern, technologically sophisticated units which,
because of their interregional nature, are electronically
linked with the Nephrology Program in Saint John. In
addition to on-site rounds by the Nephrologists, telehealth
linkages at all 3 sites allow for face to face
communications with clients and between medical, clinical,
and other support staff, both on a scheduled basis and on an
as needs basis.
Other electronic linkages between the 3 sites include,
but are not limited to: |
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a software program that links the dialysis
equipment at both sites so that dialysis processes can
be continuously monitored |
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a fully integrated electronic health record for
each patient which can be accessed by the nephrologists
(kidney specialists) and nurses at both locations |
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an online messaging and results reporting system
for physicians and other clinical staff |
Patient-focused Services: A diverse interdisciplinary
team provides patient-focused services. The team consists of
nephrologists (kidney specialists), nurses, a dietitian,
biomedical personnel, a social worker, a pharmacist and other
support personnel.
Admission Criteria: Patients/clients from any
part of the region who meet the admitting requirements for
the region's unit (adult persons with chronic renal failure
which is in a stable state and who require in-centre
hemodialysis care) can be referred by the Medical Director
of the two programs for admission.
For more information, contact
Janet.Walker@rvh.nb.ca