Community Dialysis Units patient & family guide

• Are hemodynamically unstable or have unstable or unresolved conditions
• Have a disease which other patients might catch, such as tuberculosis (TB) or chicken pox
• Cannot maintain Antibiotic Resistant Organism precaution standards
• Need regular blood transfusions
• Need help to get into and out of the treatment chair or to walk
• Need to receive dialysis in a bed
• Have mobility issues
• Have behavioural problems or need psychological support that may affect the care and safety of others
• Have chronic incontinence that you need help to manage
• If you are currently receiving medical treatment like blood transfusions, pain management, etc.
• Have open draining wounds
• Are receiving active treatment for acute medical conditions

• Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles.
• Wear loose fitting clothes that are easy to wash.
• Do not wear scented products. All Providence Health Care’s hospitals and residences are scent-free environments.
• Bring any medications you need to take during your treatment.
• Bring in any new medications for us to check.
• You may wish to bring something to help you pass the time (e.g. reading material or a tablet). There is Wi-Fi in the clinic.
• Bring a list of all questions you might have.
• Bring a bedsheet, blanket and pillow from home so you can be comfortable during dialysis. Choose a bedsheet and a blanket that can be washed easily, in the event that blood is spilled on it. We do not have blankets, pillows or any linen in Community Dialysis Units.
• Eat a light meal at home before hemodialysis. Eating during hemodialysis can make you feel sick and lower your blood pressure.
• If you have diabetes, remember to bring a snack, in case you need it during hemodialysis.
• We have an ice machine in some of the Community Dialysis Units. Check with your nurse if it is okay for you to have ice or ice water during your treatment.

• Please respect those around you.
• Respect other patients’ privacy.
• Take responsibility for your behaviour and actions.
• Speak with respect and in a low voice.
• Use headphones, or keep the volume of the TV or radio low.
• Do not bring in any strong smelling foods to eat.
• When you wash, please use unscented products.
• Do not use any scented products such as perfume, cologne, or aftershave.

While in the Community Dialysis Unit, you might hear conversations that are private. We ask you to respect the privacy of each patient in our unit and not talk to anyone else about what you hear.

While on hemodialysis, we encourage you to take part in caring for yourself. Tell us about your health.

Please let us know right away if you have any concerns so we can address them as quickly as possible. If you have concerns about your daily care, speak with a team member or the clinical nurse leader.

It is very important that you wash your hands often and very well. Wash your hands before you eat or before putting anything in your mouth. Ask family and friends to wash their hands before and after they visit you. Remind all doctors, nurses and care staff to wash their hands before caring for you. This is very important to prevent the spread of infection.

For the comfort and safety of all patients, Community Dialysis Units are smoke-free. This complies with city bylaws.

A welcoming and respectful relationship with you and your family is essential to your care. We value the diversity of our patients and work with you to create a care plan that is respectful of your needs.

We keep your personal and health information confidential. We only share information with those team members involved in your care.

We know this is not an easy time for you. There is a lot to learn and a lot happening. We are here to help and support you with your dialysis needs. Ask questions about your dialysis and treatment plan.

We give all patients and their families an opportunity to take part in their hemodialysis care. Our education program gives you information you need to make decisions about your health and treatment.

While receiving hemodialysis treatment, we'll tell you about available educational materials and services.

In order for us to care for you, it is important that we understand each other. At times, we may use words or phrases that you do not understand. We may give you forms or other written materials that are not clear. Please ask us to explain. If you do not speak or understand English well enough to have conversations about your health, we can book an interpreter at no cost. For daily communication we use various tools, such as pictures and translated cards. You may also bring a relative or friend who speaks English. This can be helpful for general conversation and questions.