Renal
MidCentral Health’s renal service is available to patients in MidCentral and Whanganui District Health Boards. The service is committed to providing the highest quality care to people with renal failure, to encourage independence and to ensure patients have their maximum quality of life.
MidCentral District Health Board's Renal Service includes:
CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis)
Self-Care Unit
Renal Unit
Service
Pre and Post-Transplant Care
Home Dialysis Service
Pre-Dialysis Support
Nephrology Service
Information about Renal Disease and the Treatments
CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis) Service
The CAPD Service is managed from MidCentral Health’s renal unit but is a service for patients in the community. Renal patients receive home-visits from nurses.
Self-Care Unit
The self care unit is for patients who can almost independently manage haemodialysis but still require support. The self care unit is located opposite Palmerston North Hospital at 25 Ruahine St. It provides a relaxed and comfortable environment, similar to a patient’s own home.
Pre and Post-Transplant Care
Patients will have their kidney transplant at Wellington Hospital but receive pre and post-transplant care out of MidCentral Health, mainly through community clinics.
Home Dialysis Service
Patients who are trained to independently have haemodialysis at home are supported by the renal nurses, doctors and technical staff.
Pre-Dialysis Support
For patients in the early stages of renal failure, pre-dialysis nurses give support and education to patients in their homes and refer them to a dietician and the renal social worker to promote well-being.
Nephrology Service
MidCentral Health’s nephrology service provides consultant clinics to patients with kidney problems.
Information about Renal Disease and the Treatments Available to You
What is renal disease?
Renal or kidney disease is when your kidneys fail to function normally. Kidney disease is often related to diabetes (link to MDHB diabetes page) but it can also be found in people who:
- Are of Maori and Pacific heritage
- Are over the age of 50
- Have high blood pressure
- Have family history of kidney disease
- Smoke
- Renal Failure
Renal Failure
End stage renal disease (ESRD) is when nearly all kidney function is lost. You will probably need to meet with a specialist to discuss your treatment options such as dialysis.
Dialysis
There are two types of dialysis, Haemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis.
Haemodialysis is when your blood is filtered by a machine. The blood is pumped out and then returned, cleansed, to your body.
Peritoneal dialysis is when a sugar-based (PD) fluid is put into your abdominal cavity through a tube so your waste products can diffuse into it, after which it is removed.
At MidCentral Health there are several options for having dialysis treatment depending on factors such as whether you have early or chronic kidney failure, or are able to self-manage your dialysis. The specialist will meet with you and if necessary refer you to a pre-dialysis nurse who will discuss with you the most appropriate way to treat your kidney disease.
Kidney Transplant
Kidney transplant is another treatment option. A kidney could be donated either by a living donor or be cadaveric (a kidney from someone who has died).
For more information
The New Zealand Kidney Foundation website has more information about organ donation, transplantation, kidney disease and treatments.
Contact the Renal Unit
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