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. The QEII Multi Organ Transplant Program 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
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 Registered Nurses, Care Team Assistants, Physicians, Dietitian, Pharmacist, Child Life Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Social Worker, Teacher, Psychologist, Clinical Leader, Team Leader, Managers, and Administrative and Support staff.
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 to allow time for lab results taken upon arrival, to come back to the physician for review during the appointment. Laboratory testing can include urine testing, blood work. The lab is located on the 1st floor of the Children’s Building. Patients take the Blue Elevator, Children’s Building, 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 for meals, gift shop and cafeteria. The Ronald MacDonald Family Room with lounge, kitchen and washroom offers a welcome resting place between appointments. It’s located on the 3rd floor of the Link Building, Green Elevator.
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 6 Link 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 family room, kitchen, resource room, and laundry facilities on the unit. A Welcome to 6 Link Inpatient Unit booklet provides further details about services and daily routines on the inpatient unit and will be given on admission as well as a booklet containing information about the team. Some common procedures to expect during the admission include height, weight, blood and urine tests, blood pressure, pulse, x-rays, and temperature checks. Depending on the reason for admission consultation to other services may be required. Once your child/youth is admitted you'll be expected to remain on the unit until admission procedures are complete then check with your nurse prior to leaving the unit.
What to bring with you to your appointment:
- Any medications (including prescription, over the counter, homeopathic, herbals and creams) your child/youth is taking.
- Diapers to use during the admission
- Pyjamas
- Regular clothes
- Personal toiletries
- Laundry detergent (unscented)
- Health card
- Documentation regarding legal guardianship if applicable
If your child is coming for an admission, you’ll come directly to 6 Link Inpatient Unit. A ward clerk will take you to a private area to do your admission registration. A registered nurse (RN) will begin the admission assessment. A physician will do a history and physical and order specific tests and procedures which will be explained at the time. The unit pharmacist or RN will do an assessment of all medications your child is taking. This will include any medications, such as prescription, over the counter, natural products, homeopathic, herbals and creams. As per IWK policy, the 6 Link nurse will place a patient identification armband on the child.