A kidney failure diagnosis is life-altering, but understanding your treatment restores control. At Advanced Renal Care, our South African centres provide the life-sustaining dialysis your kidneys no longer can.
While some imagine a cold environment, our facilities are highly organised, patient-focused ecosystems. Here is how our specialised teams and processes work together to keep you safe and comfortable.
More Than a Machine: The Specialist Team Behind Your Treatment
Your care at Advanced Renal Care is managed not by one person, but by a dedicated multidisciplinary team. Each member plays a specific part in ensuring your treatment is effective, safe, and as comfortable as possible.
The Nephrologist
This is the doctor who specialises in kidney care. The nephrologist prescribes your specific dialysis treatment, manages any related medical conditions, and oversees the clinical operations of the entire centre.
The Role of Nephrology Nurses
These highly skilled nurses are your primary point of contact during each session. As experts in renal care, they are responsible for connecting you to the dialysis machine, monitoring your vital signs throughout the treatment, administering medication, and providing essential education. At Advanced Renal Care, they become your partners and advocates on this journey.
The Renal Technologist and Dietitian
Behind the scenes, our technologists ensure the dialysis machines and water purification systems are functioning perfectly. An Advanced Renal Care dietitian also works with you to create a nutrition plan that supports your treatment and overall health, which is a key part of managing kidney disease.
The Dialysis Treatment Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
While it may seem complex, the routine for each session at our centres becomes familiar very quickly. The process is designed for safety and efficiency:
- Arrival and Pre-Treatment Check: You will be weighed to determine how much fluid needs to be removed. A nurse will then check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature and assess your general wellbeing.
- Connection to the Dialysis Machine: The nephrology nurse will expertly connect you to the haemodialysis machine via your vascular access site (fistula, graft, or catheter).
- Monitoring During Treatment: For the next three to four hours, your blood is filtered by the machine. Our nursing team monitors you and the machine continuously to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.
- Disconnection: Once the prescribed treatment is complete, the nurse will safely disconnect you, check your vital signs again, and ensure your access site has stopped bleeding before you are cleared to go home.
Haemodialysis vs. Peritoneal Dialysis
When you hear about treatment in an Advanced Renal Care centre, it almost always refers to haemodialysis (HD), where blood is filtered outside the body using a machine. However, we also train patients for Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), a therapy that can often be done at home using the lining of your abdomen to filter your blood. The choice depends on your medical condition, lifestyle, and your nephrologist’s recommendation.
The Rhythm of the Centre: Managing Patient Shifts
To accommodate all patients, Advanced Renal Care operates on a strict schedule. This is why you will be assigned to specific patient shifts. Typically, our centres run two or three shifts per day: a morning shift, an afternoon shift, and sometimes an evening shift. This structure ensures that every patient receives their full, prescribed treatment time without delays and that our clinical team can manage patient flow safely and effectively.
Unseen but Essential: The Strict Standards of Our Modern Centres
A significant part of Advanced Renal Care’s operation is dedicated to things you may never see; all focused on your safety.
Infection Control Standards
Because dialysis patients can be vulnerable, our infection control standards are rigorous. This includes hand hygiene protocols, sterilisation of all equipment, and strict procedures for handling lines and access sites to prevent bloodstream infections.
Water Purification
Haemodialysis uses a large amount of water. This water must be ultra-pure to be safe for a patient. Advanced Renal Care centres use advanced reverse osmosis systems to remove minerals, chemicals, and bacteria, ensuring the water used in your treatment is of the highest medical grade.
Experience Exceptional Care with Advanced Renal Care
Starting your dialysis journey can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Advanced Renal Care, we combine state-of-the-art medical technology with a boutique, patient-centered environment to ensure you receive the highest standard of treatment in total comfort. Whether you need chronic haemodialysis or specialized training for home-based care, our expert team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Contact usFAQs
How long does a typical dialysis session last at Advanced Renal Care?
Most haemodialysis patients have three sessions per week, with each session lasting between three and four hours. Your nephrologist will determine the exact duration based on your specific needs.
What should I bring to my dialysis appointment?
It’s a good idea to bring a book, tablet, or headphones to pass the time. Wear comfortable, layered clothing as the centre’s temperature can feel cool. Avoid wearing tight sleeves on your access arm.
Can I work or use a laptop during treatment?
Yes, many patients use their treatment time to work, read, or catch up on emails. Advanced Renal Care provides a comfortable reclining chair and a small table for your convenience. Just be mindful of your access arm.
How are dialysis costs covered?
At Advanced Renal Care, costs are typically covered by medical aid schemes. For those without medical aid, treatment is available in the public sector, though access and waiting times can be a challenge.
What is the difference between Advanced Renal Care and a public centre?
Private centres like Advanced Renal Care offer more scheduling flexibility, state-of-the-art equipment, and additional comfort amenities. Public centres provide essential services through government hospitals but often face significant resource constraints.