Kidney Health

Manitoba has some of the highest rates of kidney disease across Canada. St. Boniface Hospital provides kidney health care to individuals with all stages of kidney disease and works in partnership with our province’s kidney health care provider, Manitoba Renal Program.

Services include:

Kidney Health Clinic

The St. Boniface Hospital Kidney Health Clinic has an interdisciplinary health-care team dedicated to providing specialized care to treat patients with kidney disease. Our team aims to provide tailored care, with the aim of halting the disease or delaying its progression. For patients who require dialysis, we work with each individual to determine which type of dialysis best meets his or her needs.

Peritoneal Dialysis

St. Boniface Hospital has one of Canada’s largest peritoneal dialysis programs. It is one of two hospitals in Winnipeg where patients are easily trained to perform peritoneal dialysis which can then be done at home either by the patient, a caregiver, or home care. Peritoneal dialysis uses the natural peritoneal membrane within the body as a filter to remove excess waste and fluid. It is one of two types of home dialysis available to suitable patients.

Research has shown that home dialysis can offer more flexibility and better quality of life. Peritoneal dialysis is a more gentle form of dialysis, and can help kidneys maintain their remaining function for a longer period. Suitable patients are always encouraged to perform home dialysis.

Home hemodialysis programs are offered at Health Sciences Centre and Seven Oaks General Hospital.

The St. Boniface Hospital Kidney Health Program works collaboratively with the Cardiac Sciences Program to support patients with heart failure when necessary. Our goal is to reduce heart failure symptoms, reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life.

The Kidney Health Clinic and Peritoneal Dialysis Clinic is located on A4 West (St. Boniface Hospital map). When entering through the Everett Atrium entrance off Tache Ave, use the elevators found in the hallway behind the Information Desk to go to the fourth floor. From there follow signs to A4 West.

At this time, both St. Boniface Kidney Health Clinic and Peritoneal Dialysis Unit operate Monday to Friday. The Kidney Health Unit phone number is 204-258-1034. The Peritoneal Dialysis Unit phone number is 204-235-3045.

In-Centre Hemodialysis

For patients who need dialysis and cannot do home dialysis, St. Boniface Hospital provides in-centre hemodialysis. This is a treatment which cleans the blood by removing waste, and it removes excess water. Blood passes through an artificial kidney machine that cleans it. Usually each patient receives three hemodialysis sessions per week. St. Boniface Hospital provides hemodialysis for 156 out-patients and also supports critically ill patients requiring care in the Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit or Cardiac Sciences Intensive Care Unit.

St. Boniface Hospital also offers Short Daily in-centre hemodialysis which is a shorter six day per week treatment, known to benefit some patients with specific medical needs.

Hemodialysis Unit 1

This unit is located on C4 (St. Boniface Hospital map). When entering through the Everett Atrium entrance off Tache, there is a hallway entrance next to the Tim Hortons coffee shop. Turn right down the hallway until you reach the “C” block elevator which you can then take to the 4th floor. From thre follow the signs to the Hemodialysis Unit.

Hemodialysis Unit 1 has 22 treatment stations and operates six days per week. The unit phone number is 204-237-2824.

Satellite Hemodialysis Unit

This unit is located on A4West (St. Boniface Hospital map). When entering through the Everett Atrium entrance off Tache Ave, use the elevators found in the hallway behind the volunteer/information desk to go to the fourth floor. From there follow signs to A4 West.

Parking

If you receive regular dialysis treatments at St. Boniface, you may request information on parking from your health-care team.

Handi Transit

Individuals using Handi-Transit are dropped off and picked up at the Everett Atrium entrance off Taché.

Quality Initiative

SBH Renal Team participates in Transformation events focusing on True North metrics
Hosts a Renal Access Symposium for nursing and allied health professionals
Collaborates with eKHR Project team, offering high level input into development. Currently this is the only Manitoba Renal Program site to use both the St. Boniface Hospital electronic patient care record and the electronic kidney health record

Research

St. Boniface Kidney Health Program staff is involved in ground breaking research about kidney disease.

St. Boniface Kidney Health Program-“Champions in Care”

For more information on kidney health care in Manitoba visit Manitoba Renal Program at kidneyhealth.ca.