Nephrology Clinic visit

When arranging an appointment, we will ensure that you see one of our expert consultants. Our experienced nephrology team will look after you every step of the way ­– from giving advice at your first consultation, through to offering ongoing support during and after your treatment. 

When you arrive at the Nephrology Clinic, you will be checked in. Within five minutes, a nurse will carry out an initial clinical screening. Wait times for your treatment are around 15-20 minutes, and your appointment will usually last around 20 to 30 minutes.

In order to avoid delays, please note the following:

  • All medications should be brought for review by your nephrologist/nurse
  • A significant portion of each visit will be dedicated to education. It is important that primary caregivers attend

Depending on your condition, you may need to take part in further imaging procedures and/or laboratory tests. All procedures and any follow-up appointments can be arranged by the hemodialysis team/scheduler at the front desk. If you have further diagnostic and/or intervention procedures, our nursing staff will explain how to prepare, and answer any questions about your next steps. 

Before dialysis
We recommend that you eat prior to your treatment. You will be weighed to assess how much fluid should be removed, and one of our nurses will assess your condition before treatment.

During dialysis

You will have a vascular access prepared by a clinician before you come for treatment. This will enable us to connect you to the dialysis machine and more efficiently filter and clean your blood. During your treatment, or just after, you will be served a snack that is based on your dietary needs as prescribed by your physician. While on dialysis, you may be able to read, sleep, eat, watch television, or talk to fellow patients and members of our dialysis team.

Post-dialysis


Once the dialysis treatment is finished, you will be disconnected from the machine. You will be weighed again after treatment to make sure excess fluid has been removed from your body. About 30 minutes is required at the end of each treatment to ensure you are well and medically stable before you go home.

Your dialysis treatment schedule

You will be assessed by your nephrologist, and a dialysis treatment plan will be tailored according to your specific needs. Usually, you will have hemodialysis three times a week, but your nephrologist will discuss your health needs and create a personalized plan.
It is important to attend all treatments in order to stay healthy. If you cannot attend dialysis, you need to call the dialysis center immediately and seek guidance.

Diet during dialysis treatment


To help you control your diet during treatment, our renal dietician will talk to you about what you should eat. It is important to follow these guidelines in order to avoid toxins building up in your body. Your fluid intake also needs to be controlled to avoid fluid levels rising. A diet plan will be tailored to meet your needs.


Adjusting to dialysis

Starting dialysis can cause different reactions and feelings. Always discuss your care with your nurse/doctor, social worker and family members – we are always happy to answer any questions.

You should be able to enjoy your usual activities, but may need to consider ways to adapt to a different lifestyle. We have many educational resources to help you adjust to hemodialysis, and our team of experts will also be on hand to help.