We have updated our Birchmount Hospital phone lines. When you call through the main line (416-495-2400), you will need to add “7” when dialing an extension.

Home Dialysis

The Home Dialysis Program at SHN includes both Home Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and Home Hemodialysis (HHD), which assists patients and their families to perform their chosen home-based method of dialysis independently in the comfort of their home. Home dialysis is associated with a higher quality of life as it minimizes disruption to activities associated with daily living.

All equipment and supplies are provided by the program and delivered directly to the patient’s home.

The program also provides teaching and training for patients with end stage renal disease, and their families, to support independent or assisted self-care and treatment at home. Patients are assessed every six to nine weeks by an interprofessional health care team. Assessments, which include blood work, nutrition, physical and emotional well-being and treatment prescription, are reviewed and adjusted in collaboration with the team and patient.

We also offer a Home Dialysis Transition Unit, which provides additional support to patients and families who face challenges with the transition to home dialysis, but who wish to remain independent. Some challenges may include machine related issues, vascular challenges and emotional support/respite.

The Scarborough Regional Nephrology Program also supports PD in partnering with nursing homes. Nursing home staff are trained to support the care and delivery of PD, and the program provides ongoing support and guidance.

What We Offer

The Home Dialysis program at SHN provides high-quality care to patients who are receiving:

  • Home Peritoneal Dialysis
  • Home Hemodialysis
  • Care in the Dialysis Transition Unit
  • Slow Continuous Ultra-Filtration

Eligibility

Those eligible for Home Dialysis are individuals living with end stage kidney disease, and who require dialysis, Peritoneal dialysis or Hemodialysis.

An interview is conducted prior to program admittance to ensure patients are fully informed of their chosen treatment plan, to identify any potential barriers to success, as well as outline the expectation of the program.

Eligible patients will be guided through our STREAM Home Dialysis course which is designed to educate and fully prepare them to take control of their condition and transition to begin performing dialysis treatment from the comfort of their home.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

SHN is recognized as a Centre of Practice by the Ontario Renal Network for peritoneal dialysis (PD) body access. We are accepting referrals for PD access consultation and insertion.

IDC and Carefirst

For patients that require additional support with home peritoneal dialysis, we have connected with an assisted PD/IDC program through Carefirst. This is a referral that is made by the primary Home PD team or our MCKC team prior to dialysis initiation.

Peer Support Group

Living with a chronic illness such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) requires education and emotional support to help make the necessary changes to cope and adapt. The Peer Support Group at SHN supports patients across the continuum of care to home dialysis.

The Peer Support Group is made up of patients who are either on dialysis or have since received a transplant, family members, a dietitian, a social worker and a registered nurse. Together the patients, their families and the health care team are able to support one another and share their strategies to help them manage the burden of chronic disease.

Services include:

  • Helping kidney patients and their families adjust to living with a chronic illness
  • Improving survival and overall well-being
  • Easing anxieties about dialysis and assume responsibilities towards independence and self management

Any patient or family member on home dialysis or in the MCKC program can benefit from this service, and is encouraged to participate. Speak with your nurse or social worker to connect with a peer support volunteer.

Contact Us

General hospital
East Wing, 1st Floor
416-438-2911 ext. 8183
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.