Dialysis Clinic

The Dialysis Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital offers outpatient dialysis options for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Our on-site location offers patients the advantage of services and security provided at a hospital, with access to the Lab, Radiology and a variety of other medical appointments. The clinic consists of our:

Outpatient Hemodialysis Unit, a 20-station facility with state-of-the-art equipment to provide patients with optimal care and support. There are three shifts on Monday-Wednesday-Friday and three shifts on Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday. The first shift begins at about 6 am, the second shift at about 10 am, and the third shift at about 2 pm. In addition, there is a Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday nocturnal shift which allows patients to dialyze for eight hours overnight.
Outpatient Peritoneal Department, which provides education, training and support to allow successful dialysis at home and 24-hour on-call dialysis support.

The renal team for both units consists of nephrologists, nurses, patient-care technicians, dietitians, social workers and assistants to aid in all components of an individual’s care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hemodialysis

When I get to the unit is there anything that I am going to have to be responsible for in regards to my care?

No, that is one of the benefits of coming to the clinic. Our experienced staff will completely manage your care, which includes the set up of your machine, initiation and maintenance of treatment and break down of machine.

Can I travel while on hemodialysis?

Yes, and we encourage patients to do so. It works best if you inform the social worker about a month before you plan to travel, and they will locate a dialysis unit closest to your destinations address. We have even had patients travel internationally!

What is the schedule like on hemodialysis?

The hemodialysis schedule is split up by days and times. There is a first, second and third shift on either a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday schedule. The first shift starts anywhere between 5:30 and 6 am, the second shift starts anywhere from 9 to 11 am and the third shift starts anywhere from 1 to 3 pm.

We now offer a nocturnal shift where patients dialyze while they sleep; with the shift beginning at 7 pm and ending at 3 am.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peritoneal Dialysis

How long does the training take?

It all depends on the patient. It could take as little as a couple of weeks to as long as a few months. The training is tailored to the patients comfort level, and even when trained, should any questions arise, there is always a nurse on-call.

Do I need a partner in order to complete my exchanges each day?

You could have someone there to assist in the exchanges, but they are simple enough to be able to manage on your own.

Can I travel while on peritoneal dialysis?

Of course, and it is actually recommended. There may be a charge associated to traveling outside of the US, but for travel within the US the supply company can send your supplies to your vacation location. They will just need three weeks notice.

The only thing you will need to bring with you is the cycler itself, and we will provide you with travel case and a letter to bring with you to the airport, so that the cycler can be brought with you on the plane.

Will I still be able to maintain my job schedule?

Most patients are still able to work while doing Peritoneal Dialysis. CCPD offers patients flexibility throughout the day by dialyzing overnight. PD allows patients to keep a more active lifestyle and maintain their independence.

Because of the catheter, am I able to swim?

Swimming in the ocean or in private pools is fine, however swimming in lakes, ponds or public pools is not.

Nephrology Services

Dialysis Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions About Hemodialysis

Frequently Asked Questions About Peritoneal Dialysis

Nephrology

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital