Kidney Care

Breaking down barriers

Working with others to provide exceptional kidney care in your hospital, your community and your home.

As the Regional Chronic Kidney Disease Program for the Central West LHIN, one of 26 Regional Chronic Kidney Disease programs in Ontario, we are one of the fastest growing regional programs. We are also host to Ontario’s first Regional Kidney Wellness Centre, so we can (modestly) boast our expertise in kidney care.

We can also attest to the importance of our collaboration with other health care partners. Together we offer a tremendous range of kidney care services – everything from early diagnosis and treatment, monitoring and counselling, through to dialysis, and preparation for kidney transplants and dual kidney/pancreas transplants.

Our services are truly inspired by the needs of our patients. We connect each patient with the services and supports they need, both at Osler and our partner facilities. We support and follow their progress every step of the way and, when possible, we offer services such as home dialysis to promote a flexible, independent lifestyle.

Kidney Care Clinic

The main goals of this clinic are to slow the progression of the kidney disease and prevent other health problems that can happen when kidneys are not working well.

The patient care team includes nephrologists, renal registered nurses, renal social workers, renal pharmacists, renal dietitians and a recreation therapist. Services include:

For patients whose kidney disease does progress, the team will explain treatment options (for example, renal replacement therapies such as peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis) and conservative care.
The team supports and guides patients to choose the type of dialysis that will best fit their lifestyle.
Psychosocial support and palliative care are offered to pateitns with End Stage Kidney Disease (ESRD) who choose not to have renal replacement therapies or a kidney transplant.
Pre-emptive transplant options (kidney transplant before going on dialysis) are explored with the patient as appropriate.

Brampton Civic

2100 Bovaird Drive East,
Brampton, ON
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
Contact: 905-494-2120 ext. 56637
Fax: 905-494-6643

Etobicoke General

101 Humber College Blvd.,
Etobicoke, ON
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
Contact: 416-494-2120 ext.32484

Referrals: referrals to this program will be made by Osler nephrologists

Home Dialysis Program

Osler’s Home Dialysis Program includes both Home Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and Home Hemodialysis (HHD). The Home Dialysis program supports patients and/or their families in carrying out their home-based dialysis independently, in the comfort of their home.

Not surprisingly, home dialysis can help people achieve a higher quality of life, since it lessens the disruptions of frequent hospital visits and promotes a flexible, independent lifestyle.

Things you should know:

Equipment and supplies are provided by the program and delivered to the patient’s home. The cost is covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Technical services and education are provided by Osler’s team of renal technologists.
For Home Hemodialysis patients, there may be increased water and electricity costs. Some modifications may need to be made to your home but the costs are usually covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Training is provided for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and their families so that they can carry out treatments at home.
Regular check-ups: Home Dialysis (PD/HHD) patients come to the Brampton Civic Hospital’s Home Dialysis Clinic about every six weeks to be assessed by the specialized renal team and to have their treatment modified as necessary.
Support 24/7: If a patient on Home Dialysis therapy runs into any difficulties, a home dialysis nurse and renal technologist are available by pagers (416-714-1015 or 416-714-5069) 24 hrs per day, 7 days a week for support.

Tel: 905-494-2120 ext. 50545
Referrals: Osler nephrologists will refer patients interested in Home Dialysis to the Home Dialysis Program.

In-Centre Hemodialysis

Osler’s In-Centre Hemodialysis (HD) service, located at Brampton Civic Hospital, has a total of 57 stations. (45 in the main unit and 6 stations each in two satellite units). A team of renal specialists provides ongoing monitoring, care and supports for each patient. Our recreation therapist, in partnership with Osler’s Volunteer Services, trains volunteers to help patients take part in a variety of leisure activities during their HD treatment. Location: Brampton Civic Hospital, (the main unit is on the 3rd floor)

Hours: 7:00am – 11:00pm (Monday to Friday); 7:00am- 7:00pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Tel: 905-494-2120 ext. 56580
Referrals: Currently, we are unable to accept transient (vacationing) Hemodialysis patients.

Kidney Care Inpatient Services

Nephrology patients who need to be admitted to hospital will be assigned to the inpatient unit that best meets their particular illness or condition.

No matter which unit they stay on, they will be followed by a General Hospitalist MD, a Nephrologist and other health care experts as needed.

Location: Brampton Civic Hospital and Etobicoke General Hospital
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 24 hours per day

Vascular Access for Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis

Learn about our PD and Hemodialysis services

Peritoneal Dialysis Access
Osler has a dedicated team of surgeons to facilitate the placement of PD catheters.

Hemodialysis Access

Ideally, several months before beginning hemodialysis treatment, patients with progressing chronic kidney disease (stage 5) will need to have a vascular access created. This is the site on your body where blood is removed and returned during hemodialysis. Early preparation of the vascular access is important to ensure enough time for the access site to ‘mature’ so that it is ready for use when hemodialysis treatment is required.

There are three types of vascular access for hemodialysis – graft, fistula or central venous catheter. Osler has a vascular surgeon and vascular registered nurse who specialize in creating and maintaining these access points. We also have a dedicated team of surgeons, interventional radiologists, and a vascular access coordinator who specialize in creating and maintaining these vascular accesses.

Our health care partners

Through Osler’s strong links with many health care and community partners, we are able to offer individuals with kidney disease a tremendous range of leading edge kidney care services and practical supports.

They include: