Renal dialysis and medicine

Renal dialysis is a treatment that helps your kidneys continue to function when they have stopped working properly. It removes salt and waste from your body, maintains a safe level of chemicals in your blood and keeps your blood pressure in check.

We understand renal dialysis can have a big impact on your day-to-day life. Some people need renal dialysis for a short time while others need dialysis for end-stage kidney failure and continue treatment for the rest of their lives.

Our caregivers work with you to ensure your dialysis treatment enables you to live a full and active life and that the treatment is done at the most suitable time and place for you.

Our renal dialysis services

Our nephrologists, urologists, dietitians, registered nurses and allied health professionals work together to minimise the effects of kidney failure. We provide access to the latest dialysis technology so you can live as full a life as possible.

Types of renal dialysis

There are two types of renal dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Haemodialysis

Haemodialysis happens outside the body. It involves pumping blood from your bloodstream into a machine (dialyser) that filters waste and excess water, then pumps the filtered blood back into your bloodstream. The process takes about four to five hours, and is done at least three times per week. It should not be painful.

Before you can begin haemodialysis, you will need surgery to create a vascular access to allow access to your bloodstream. This can often be done as day surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about the most suitable vascular access for you, and how to care for it.

We offer this haemodialysis as a satellite service, in connection with Fiona Stanley Hospital, for patients who are stable and do not need acute care.

Home-based renal dialysis

Dialysis may be done in hospital, in a specialist clinic or at home. If you choose to do your dialysis at home, our caregivers will train you and your family so you can manage your own treatments. You may also need special equipment installed in your home.

Pre-dialysis education

We offer pre-dialysis education sessions twice a year if you have chronic kidney disease and are about to start dialysis. We provide information and education about the process and their options so you can choose the type of dialysis treatment that is best suited to you –haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or home-based renal dialysis.