Patient Information

Kidney disease is a chronic, lifelong condition that usually becomes worse over time. Depending on the stage of their disease, patients will require different types of care and support.

This section provides basic information for patients about the different stages of renal disease and the resources that are available at Providence’s Renal Program to help people manage their medical needs and their day-to-day living. It also provides educational materials for downloading and links to helpful information and resources from other organizations.

About Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can begin with few obvious symptoms. There are many things that can be done to slow or even stop the progression of the disease.

Disease Management

It’s important for kidney patients to understand what they can do to manage their health and well-being at every stage of their illness.

Dialysis

When your kidneys fail, you need ongoing treatment to replace their function. Unless you have a kidney transplant, you will need a treatment called dialysis.

Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment option for most people with end-stage kidney disease.

Closer to home

A number of services are available to help people with kidney disease manage their health in their own communities and homes.

Planning ahead

Because of their special, ongoing requirements for medical care, individuals with kidney disease should have plans in place for traveling, emergencies and critical illness.

Kidney Donation

Thinking about donating your kidney to someone in need? Learn about what’s involved in becoming a living donor.

Refer a patient

Information for community health providers wishing to refer a newly-diagnosed patient to PHC’s Renal Program.

Visitor Dialysis Program

Our world-class Renal Program offers services to travellers who need dialysis while they are in Vancouver.

Support us

Help us further patient care innovations and kidney research through a designated gift to the Renal Program.