Team Spotlight: Hemodialysis Satellite Units

March is Kidney Health Month, and we want to raise awareness about kidney disease and its impact on the people of Northwestern Ontario. Throughout the month, we will be featuring members of the Renal team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), and highlight the incredible care they provide for renal patients across our region.

For more information on Renal Services at TBRHSC, and to view educational videos for renal patients and their families, click HERE.

Hemodialysis Satellite Units (Sioux Lookout and Fort Frances)

“The satellite units in Sioux Lookout and Fort Frances support patients from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Renal program who would like to receive treatment and care closer to their home communities – many of these patients coming from the far north.

The Renal team in the Sioux Lookout and Fort Frances units consist of registered nurses who independently perform all aspects of daily dialysis functions. These include set up and take down of the dialysis machines, troubleshooting the reverse osmosis machine, and organizing/scheduling specialty appointments in other cities with corresponding travel. Ongoing medical care is provided on a rotating basis by Thunder Bay Nephrology, with monthly physician visits. In addition, support is also provided mainly via phone by social work (Laurenne), Renal Pharmacy (Matthew), and dietician (Liz).”

– The Hemodialysis Satellite Unit Staff.

“As a social worker within Renal care, I am proud to be part of a compassionate, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to supporting both patients and their loved ones through the challenges of chronic illness, including the need for travel or relocation for life-sustaining care. Through our satellite units in Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout, we provide tailored support that meets each patient’s unique needs, offering advocacy, case management, and other vital services to ensure their well-being”.

– Laurenne Stuart, Social Worker, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Renal Satellite Units and Home Dialysis Program.