Complete guide to Canadian hospital renal services — haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant, CKD management, provincial renal programmes, home dialysis, and renal software.
CKD affects 4 million Canadians. 50,000+ on dialysis. CORR tracks renal data. Home dialysis is encouraged. This guide covers Canadian renal services.
Renal Service Levels
| Service | Description | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| CKD clinic | Early CKD management and monitoring | Outpatient |
| Haemodialysis (in-centre) | 3x/week, 4 hours | Hospital dialysis unit |
| Haemodialysis (home) | More frequent, flexible | Home |
| Peritoneal dialysis | Home-based, daily | Home |
| Nocturnal dialysis | Overnight, home | Home |
| Kidney transplant | Deceased or living donor | Transplant centre |
| Renal clinic | Nephrology outpatient follow-up | Outpatient |
CKD Management
- Early detection: eGFR screening for at-risk groups (diabetes, hypertension)
- Stage 1-3: Manage underlying condition, BP control, ACEi/ARB
- Stage 4: Prepare for renal replacement therapy (dialysis access, transplant referral)
- Stage 5: Start dialysis or transplant
- Dialysis modality: Choose modality (home vs in-centre, HD vs PD)
- Transplant referral: Refer for transplant assessment if eligible
- Supportive care: Conservative care for patients not pursuing dialysis
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the renal disease burden in Canada?
- CKD affects ~4 million Canadians (11% of adults). 50,000+ Canadians on dialysis. 3,000+ kidney transplants per year. 4,000+ on transplant wait list. Diabetes is the #1 cause of kidney failure (40%). Provincial renal programmes coordinate dialysis and transplant services. The Canadian Organ Replacement Register (CORR) tracks renal data.
- What dialysis options are available in Canada?
- Canadian dialysis options: 1) In-centre haemodialysis (3x/week, 4 hours), 2. Home haemodialysis (more frequent, flexible), 3. Peritoneal dialysis (home-based, daily), 4. Nocturnal haemodialysis (overnight, home). Provincial renal programmes fund all options. Home dialysis is encouraged (lower cost, better outcomes). Training and support provided.
- How does kidney transplant work in Canada?
- Canadian kidney transplant: 1) Referral to transplant centre, 2. Assessment (medical, psychological), 3. Wait list (deceased donor) or living donor, 4. Transplant surgery, 5. Immunosuppression (lifelong), 6. Follow-up (transplant clinic). Wait time: 3-7 years (deceased donor), weeks-months (living donor). Provincial transplant programmes. CORR tracks transplant outcomes. Living donor kidney exchange programmes exist.