Kidney treatment in Grey Bruce is more accessible than ever thanks to now-local home treatment training.
Brightshores Health System, in coordination with the Regional Renal Program at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), has brought home hemodialysis training to Grey Bruce for the first time.
Patients who were eligible for home hemodialysis previously had to visit LHSC to complete their training, which is three times a week for eight to 10 weeks.
“By offering this specialized education locally, we can help patients build the confidence and skills to manage their treatment while reducing the need for travel,” says Colleen Ouwendyk, Brightshores director of the cancer centre and ambulatory services. “The program provides greater flexibility for patients and their caregivers – supporting access to expert education, ongoing support and specialized care closer to home.”
Keri Aitken Toby, a home hemodialysis nurse with Brightshores and a remote member of LHSC’s home hemodialysis team, helps patients and their caregivers gain the knowledge and confidence needed to safely perform dialysis at home.
Aitken Toby has been a nurse for 27 years, spending much of her career in dialysis.
“I really enjoy teaching people about dialysis and helping them bring more quality to their life by helping them dialyze at home,” Aitken Toby says. “I have also enjoyed my time in renal care because I get to know patients really well seeing them so frequently and get to help them through their kidney care journey.”