Northern Health’s (NH) renal program includes a chronic kidney disease clinic, an in-hospital hemodialysis unit at University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC), three community dialysis units (Prince George, Terrace, and Fort St. John), and independent dialysis services (peritoneal dialysis and home-based hemodialysis).
The NH renal program also works in collaboration with BC Transplant and offers a post-transplant clinic for kidney transplant recipients.
The NH renal program’s multidisciplinary team includes nephrologists, nurses, renal dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, technicians, and clerical staff.
Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic
The Northern Health Kidney Care Program services almost 800 patients in our region. Our clients have been identified to have chronic kidney disease and are not on dialysis.
The goal of the clinic is to slow down, or stop kidney disease from progressing, and living a healthy life. Education is provided by nursing, dietary and pharmacy clinicians. Regular visits with the team, which includes the kidney doctor, monitor kidney health through blood work and assessments.
For the first time starting in April 2025, the Kidney Care Clinic in Prince George will be part of an international clinical trial based out of the University of Oxford.
This clinical trial will introduce a new drug which may reduce the risk of kidney disease progression or reduce hospitalization for heart failure or death from cardiovascular disease in people with chronic kidney disease, when it is added to standard kidney care already being done in our province. There will be 11,000 kidney patients included in this trial. Results are due to be released in 2028 or 2029.
Peritoneal Dialysis
The University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC) is a cornerstone of specialized kidney care in the region. Its Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Clinic plays a vital role in supporting patients on dialysis offering expert care and empowering individuals to manage their health effectively at home. The clinic's dedicated multidisciplinary team ensures that patients receive personalized treatment plans and education, fostering independence and improving quality of life. The Peritoneal Dialysis Clinic provides primary nursing to 70 patients in 19 communities throughout Northern Health’s 600,000 km² Health Authority from Masset to Fort Nelson to Quesnel. 41% of all dialysis patients in Northern Health are on Peritoneal Dialysis!
Transplant
The Northern Health Transplant Clinic offers comprehensive care for patients who have received a transplant . Our services include post-transplant follow-up care and ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team. This team consists of registered nurses, nephrologists, dietitians, pharmacists, and social workers. The clinic ensures that patients receive personalized care and support throughout their transplant journey. There is currently 159 post transplant clients that are followed by the NH transplant clinic.
In addition to these services, the clinic provides support to individuals who have been referred for a kidney transplant. This includes assisting patients to receive the necessary pre transplant testing, ensuring that they understand the transplant process, preparing them for when they must travel to Vancouver for the surgery, and addressing any concerns or questions they may have along the way. The clinic's team works closely with patients and the transplant team to support them as they move through their transplant journey. There are currently 165 pre transplant clients being followed by the NH transplant clinic.