Scope of Services

Nephrology Department of the KWH is dedicated to providing proper, quality treatment and care for renal patients. At Wong Wha San Memorial Renal Centre on 4/F, North Wing, there are a total of 30 renal beds with specialist consultation and more comprehensive care for in-patients, including intermittent peritoneal dialysis, treatment of dialysis-related complications, etc.

The Centre also offers out-patient services for dialysis and kidney transplant patients with an annual attendance of over 3,000. Moreover, regular meetings are held at the Centre to map out the long-term healthcare strategy for these chronic patients. The renal nurse will follow up on the long-term treatment and care plan of each patient as well to ensure continuous care and optimal outcomes.

In addition, the Centre has reorganised and expanded nurse day-clinic services to enhance patient care and reduce the number of admissions. A wide range of services are available, including adjustment of peritoneal dialysis treatment, follow-up on the recovery of peritonitis patients, renal health education, handling of special tests, instruction and care for catheter outlet, performing special care procedures and preparatory arrangement for kidney transplant, etc.

1981	Commencement of haemodialysis treatment
1985	Commencement of home peritoneal dialysis service
1987	First successful kidney transplant for a renal patient
1992	Establishment of 13-bed dialysis unit
1994	Takeover of Pamela Youde Polyclinic Renal Dialysis Centre, Kwun Tong to expand the services for end-stage renal failure patients
2004	Relocation of Kwun Tong Renal Dialysis Centre to the KWH with expansion to 30 beds and 15 haemodialysis units and establishment of a full-service Renal Centre

The Renal Centre offers the following professional services:

Peritoneal Dialysis
Besides peritoneal dialysis for in-patients, the Centre is responsible for assessment and advice for home peritoneal dialysis patients and formulation of their long-term care plan, followed by training and education on self-care skills and knowledge to facilitate successful treatment.

Haemodialysis
The Centre provides 15 haemodialysis units for acute and long-term dialysis services with an annual attendance of over 5,000.

Plasmapheresis
Plasmapheresis was introduced in 1996 to provide more complete services for patients as required.


Rehabilitation Service
Our nephrology team has been working closely with medical social workers, having assisted in setting up the KWH Renal Patients Support Group in 1993. Patients are encouraged in mutual communication and care as well as active participation in rehabilitation activities. These services and activities, including volunteer visits, counselling, physical exercises, recreation, information, education, shopping offers, etc., aim to build patients’ self-confidence, help them face their illness and life with a positive outlook for physical, psychological and spiritual recovery.

Education
The Centre has not only deployed nephrology staff to raise awareness of kidney diseases, home dialysis skills and post-transplant care among patients and their relatives, but also taken part actively in the training of local renal care specialists and paramedical personnel.


Consultation and Support Services
The Centre runs a 24-hour telephone hotline service to help patients, their family members and paramedical staff at elderly homes with questions and support, receiving more than 1,500 calls every year.