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Renal/ (Nephrology)

The Bay of Plenty' DHB's renal service is part of the Midland Regional Renal Unit.

Renal services provided include dialysis from two satellite dialysis units based at Tauranga and Whakatane Hospitals and a central Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Training Unit based at Waikato Hospital.

Home Haemodialysis training is done for patients using home dialysis.  Pre-Dialysis and Transplant Services are also based at the Renal Unit.

Information regarding the waiting times for our Renal service can be obtained by selecting this link Waiting Times.

 

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 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

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is when nearly all kidney function is lost. The patient will probably need to meet with a specialist to discuss 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 Bay of Plenty DHB 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.


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

BOPDHB's nephrology service provides consultant clinics to patients with kidney problems.


Pre and Post-Transplant Care

Patients will have their kidney transplant at Waikato Hospital but receive pre and post-transplant care out of Bay of Plenty District Health Board, mainly through community clinics.


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).

The New Zealand Kidney Foundation website has more information about organ donation, transplantation, kidney disease and treatments.

Disclaimer:
The Bay of Plenty DHB is not responsible for the contents or reliability of the linked websites and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. Listing shall not be taken as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over availability of the linked pages