Story Posted: 2024-07-16
Hospital Highlights 2023-24: Kidney Health Services
From the St. Paul’s Hospital & SPH Foundation 2023-24 Annual Review.
Kidney Health programs at St. Paul’s Hospital serve the residents of Saskatoon, as well as those living in other communities across the province. St. Paul’s Kidney Health Programs, Chronic Kidney Disease Clinics and Community Outreach Programs advance the early identification of kidney disease, and are committed to proactive, compassionate and accessible care that improves health outcomes for our patients.
The SPH Hemodialysis Unit and the Cameco Community Renal Health Centre located across the street from the Hospital provide life-sustaining therapy to patients requiring dialysis. These individuals and their families come to Saskatoon three to four times every week, many travelling long distances to access life-saving care. Through the Kidney Health Clinic, SPH supported 1383 patients in 2023/24 in the areas of in-hospital and home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
Our collaborative work with other departments in the Hospital is an important part of our practice. This year, we were able to make a significant positive impact on the number of patients requiring peritoneal dialysis catheter inserts by working alongside Diagnostic Imaging and our surgical partners to decrease wait times. Our Hospital’s Healing Arts team is also invaluable to our patients, as kidney disease affects all aspects of a patient’s health, including emotional and spiritual well-being.
Supporting Community Health
There are an estimated 117,000 people in Saskatchewan who live with chronic kidney disease. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can slow the progression of kidney disease and improve quality of life, helping patients manage their health in their home communities. In the fall of 2023, with the support of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, our Kidney Health Teams began the Early Screening and Detection Pilot Program, partnering with a northern community to screen community members for kidney disease and provide education about how to maintain kidney health.
Through St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, the Dialysis Unit also saw the introduction of Patient Porters, support workers who assist kidney health patients with navigating the Hospital and accessing services. Many of them arrive after having travelled from other communities, so when they step through the doors of St. Paul’s, they often are tired and on their own. Our Porters have been an invaluable asset to the Unit, assisting patients in getting to their appointments and back to their homeward transportation, and helping them to feel safe and supported during an often stressful time.