Care from the comfort of your couch: PEI launches new home hemodialysis program

Lindsay Ross used to spend so much time receiving dialysis treatment at the Souris Hospital every week, it was the equivalent to a part-time job. But now the 38-year-old woman from Dundas can get those same treatments without getting in her car—or even out of her bed. 

She’s taking part in Health PEI's new Home Hemodialysis Program, which launched this July. Home treatments for peritoneal dialysis have already been offered on the Island, but this is the first time for hemodialysis—a kidney treatment that filters waste and water from a patient’s blood. 

Lindsay says getting treatment at home means having more control in her health care journey. She plans to do treatments at night while she’s sleeping. 

“I can hopefully get my life back. I will have my days free, so I will be able to get a job again and have more freedom to do the things that I want without having to plan around going to the hospital.”

— Lindsay Ross

Ross has been on and off dialysis since 2011. When she learned she could receive treatment at home, she wanted to learn more.  

“It was a little overwhelming, but exciting at the same time,” she said. 

Before treatment can begin, a team must assess the patient’s home to make sure it meets plumbing and electrical requirements. Patients receive approximately ten weeks of training on how to use the hemodialysis equipment.  

Lauren Wry is a registered nurse with the PEI Renal Program. She was instrumental in getting home hemodialysis up and running on the Island. 

“Kidney disease could affect anyone, young or old,” she said. “Being able to offer an additional treatment option at home will change people’s lives. I’m honored to be part of that.”

Even though patients are receiving treatment outside a hospital setting, they aren’t expected to do the journey alone. They have 24-hour support from a healthcare team if they need anything and are scheduled for routine checkups in the renal clinic. 

“Offering this kind of at-home care for dialysis patients has always been a big passion of mine. I’m thrilled it’s now being offered here, joining the rest of Canada in expanding access to this vital treatment.”

— Dr. Michael Girsberger, nephrologist who leads the program

Lindsay Ross says one of the biggest changes for her is the option to get hemodialysis any day of the week—at any time. 

“I figured there are millions of people all around the world that are older and in worse shape than me who are doing Home Hemodialysis every single day,” she said. “If they can do it, so can I.”

This initiative is supported by the home hemodialysis resource staff, including the Renal Biomedical Technologists, along with many other partners including The QEH Foundation, The City of Charlottetown Island Waste Management, and local electrical and plumbing groups.