The Ontario Renal Network’s March 2021 Quarterly Report placed Halton Healthcare in the top five in the province for the number of patients on home dialysis. While this success can be attributed to a progressive Nephrology Program that empowers patients to dialyze independently, it also reflects a recent innovative collaboration between the Nephrology and the Surgery Programs to protect an already compromised patient population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Home dialysis offers patients the most flexibility and allows them to live a life that is not defined by their kidney disease. Whether they choose hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, patients are provided with a ‘menu of choices’ as to when, where and how often they can dialyze,” explained Dr. Sanjay Pandeya, Nephrologist and Medical Director of Home Dialysis at Halton Healthcare.
“One type of home dialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), requires a specialized surgical procedure that was not offered at Halton Healthcare up until recently,” continued Dr. Pandeya.
“We made this home dialysis insertion surgery a priority to protect this vulnerable patient population. With the support of our hospital leadership, and both the Surgical and Anesthesiology team, we now have regular dedicated operating room time for this procedure,” explained Dr. Duncan Rozario, Chief, Surgery Program, OTMH.
“Both Dr. Choy and Dr. Pampaloni are now an integral part of our Nephrology Program. They run their surgical consults right out of our Clinic so dialysis patients don’t have to leave the Nephrology unit. The focus is on the patient experience,” explained Dr. Pandeya. “We also have a dedicated Coordinator who supports the patient throughout their journey and liaises between the Surgical and Nephrology programs to ensure a seamless process.”
“Our program focuses on supporting patients no matter where they are on their dialysis journey. We provide a comprehensive, hands-on training program for those pursuing home dialysis which continues to follow patients even after their transition home. Our physicians and clinical teams are committed to supporting our patients so they can achieve their best life possible,” added Gail Burns, Director of the Renal Dialysis Program at Halton Healthcare.