IWK Health has the only specialized nephrology (kidney disease) service for children and youth in Atlantic Canada. The nephrology service has a multidisciplinary team that provides health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, education, treatment, and follow-up nephrology care for children and youth with kidney disease.
How we help
The services we offer include Renal Biopsy, Renal Transplant, Hemodialysis, Plasmapheresis, Peritoneal Dialysis, 24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring, and Diagnostic Imaging (Renal Scan, X-Rays and Ultrasound). Common consultative services include Infectious Disease, Hematology, Rheumatology, Surgery and Urology.
IWK Nephrologists offer travelling clinics in Newfoundland and New Brunswick, on a rotating schedule.
The Pediatric Nephrologists have an ongoing full time research program based out of the IWK.
Our team includes Physicians, Registered Nurses, Dietitian, Pharmacist, Child Life Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Social Worker, Teacher, Psychologist, Clinical Leader, Team Leader, Managers, and Administrative and Support staff.
The QEII Multi Organ Transplant Program (MOTP) is an external partner in the care of renal transplants.
The most common conditions for which we offer treatment include:
- Congenital renal disorders
- Chronic kidney disease (stages I-V)
- Hypertension
- Recurrent urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis
- Nephritic syndromes (e.g. IgA nephritis, Post Strep Glomerulonephritis, Lupus)
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Genetic Renal Disorders
- Syndromes with renal involvement
- Renal transplant care
- Renal Stone Disorders
What to expect
Nephrology Clinic
Appointments are scheduled to see the Pediatric Nephrologists in this clinic. Most patients will arrive at the hospital lab approximately two hours before the appointment. This is to allow time for lab results taken upon arrival, to be reported to the physician for review during the appointment. Laboratory testing can include urine testing and blood work.
Outpatient Lab Location: The lab is located on the 1st floor of the Children’s Building.
Nephrology Clinic Location: In the IWK Children's Building, take the blue elevator to the 4th floor to be registered for the clinic appointment.
While waiting for your doctor’s appointment, families are invited to use various services located on level two and the cafeteria.
Nephrology Ambulatory Clinic / Renal Dialysis Unit
Appointments are scheduled with renal nurses for outpatient lab work, infusions, medication injections, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring appointments, as well as central line access care and teaching. Renal nurses provide hemodialysis and plasmapheresis on site, kidney transplant teaching, home peritoneal dialysis teaching and follow-up in this location.
6 Link Inpatient Unit
If your child/youth needs to be admitted to the hospital it will be to 6 Link inpatient unit, a unit for children with kidney disease, cancer, and blood disorders. Patients go directly to 6Link (6th floor, green elevators) to be registered by the ward clerk and admitted. There are 15 single patient rooms. Each room includes a single bed for a parent to sleep, a small closet, washroom, shower, mini fridge, TV and internet access. There is a shared family room, kitchen, resource room, and laundry facilities on the unit. Two booklets will be given to you on admission: Welcome to 6 Link Inpatient Unit booklet, which provides further details about services and daily routines on the inpatient unit, as well as a booklet containing information about the interdisciplinary team. Some common procedures to expect during the admission include height, weight, blood and urine tests, vital sign checks (temperature, blood pressure and pulse) and other investigative procedures (such as x-rays) if required. Once your child/youth is admitted you'll be expected to remain on the unit until admission procedures are complete. Please check with your nurse prior to leaving the unit. As per IWK policy, the 6Link nurse will place a patient identification armband on the child.
What to bring with you to your appointment or admission:
- Your child's health card
- Any medications (including prescription, over the counter, homeopathic, herbals and creams) your child/youth is taking.
- Documentation regarding legal guardianship if applicable
- Necessities such as: breastmilk/formula, change of clothes, pajamas, personal toiletries, diapers, toys/books
- Laundry detergent (unscented)