This guide will provide you with information regarding our dialysis program and help you to prepare for your care here. Al Noor Dialysis Unit is the first of its type in the private medical sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is a state-of-the-art unit created on the basis of the best international standards to offer hemodialysis treatment to all patients. We are ready to offer hemodialysis treatment to visitors according to prior arrangements and availability of dialysis slots. For patients in the intensive care unit who need to be dialyzed, dialysis services (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) are also offered. The Dialysis Unit is located at Al Noor Hospital Airport Road, in the ground floor of the administration building, behind the main hospital (backside entrance). Open: Saturday to Thursday 7:00 am - 23:30 pm. A dialysis schedule will be set up for you depending on your needs and availability of space. Every effort will be made to try to accommodate your preference for certain times or days but initially this may not be possible. If you have an emergency when the dialysis unit is closed, please report to the Emergency department and ask that the nephrologists on call to be called. Your team at Al Noor Hospital Dialysis Unit believes that the patient knowledge and participation will result in better care. You will be provided with information about your condition as well as all aspects of your treatments, medication and diet. The staff will work with you; help you to be as independent as possible. Participation in your care is expected. All patients will be expected to follow the protocols of the Renal Unit to ensure that they will get the best care possible.
Arriving at the dialysis unit:
Before the dialysis unit opens, patients will be asked to wait at the waiting area to give time for the staff to prepare the dialysis machines. You will be called into the unit when your machine is ready and the nurse is available. Your dialysis treatment will take approximately 4 hours. Plan an extra 20-30 minutes before and after your treatment. If for any reason you are not able to attend your scheduled appointment, please call the Dialysis Unit as soon as possible. If you have a scheduled clinic appointment please inform staff in order that your appointment and or/ Hemodialysis is rescheduled to enable you to attend both. When you arrive, you will be asked to wash your arm prior to sitting down (if you are using the fistula or graft) The nurse will take your weight, and temperature, sitting and standing blood pressure, and ask if you have any problems since your last treatment. During dialysis, please tell the nurse if you have any concerns or problems. After the dialysis needles are removed, you will be asked to wear gloves to hold your own needle sites until they stop bleeding (this may also be done by a relative or sitter if you prefer).
Visitors:
During dialysis, visitors are welcome (maximum of one per patient) but are required to retain by the patient's beside. Visitors will be required to leave the Unit for a few minutes when the nurse starts and stops the dialysis procedure; this is for the patient privacy and infection control reasons.
Dialysis Shifts:
Morning Shift:
If you are scheduled for the morning shift, please arrive between 7:00 am and 7:30am. Patients will not be admitted to the dialysis unit before 7:00 am.
Afternoon Shift:
If you are scheduled for the afternoon shift, please arrive between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm. Patients will not be admitted to the dialysis unit until their assigned machine is ready.
Evening Shift:
If you are scheduled for the night shift, please arrive between 6:00 pm and 6:30pm.
What to bring:
You will be required to retain in Dialysis for approximately 4 hours so wear clothes that are comfortable and not restrictive. Make sure that the nurse can easily reach your access by wearing loose sleeves for a fistula, or a shirt with a button or zipper opening for catheter. A TV with earphones will be provided at each dialysis station in the clinic. Curtains round the bedside will remain open during dialysis for the reasons of nurse/ patient observation and safety.
Eating on dialysis:
Eating food during your dialysis treatment is not recommended since it is one of the most common causes of complications during dialysis. Complications caused by eating on dialysis include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure and fainting. A sandwich and juice may be provided to you after you have finished your treatment. Please eat before you arrive for dialysis, especially if you have diabetes.
Food in the dialysis unit:
To prevent possible spread of infection, please do not bring food to the dialysis unit, unless it is your own use. This is in accordance with the accepted infection control guidelines.
Lab work:
Every month the nurse will take blood for several tests, at the beginning and end of your dialysis treatment and the result will be reviewed with you by your team. The result will show if your dialysis, diet and medications are working well, or if changes should be made. Changes may include changes to dialysis times, dialyzers, dialysis solutions, medications and/ or diet.
Medications:
It is very important to take medications as they are prescribed by your doctor. Do not take the medications that are not prescribed for you especially, and do not take over the "counter" medications until you check with your dialysis team first. Your nurse will ask you to bring in your medications each month so that they can be reviewed by your team. Please inform your dialysis nurse as soon as possible if there have been any changes to your medications. Be sure to let your nurse know if you have received any medications from another doctor clinic or hospital.
Your dialysis team: Your dialysis team is made up of experienced professionals who will work together with you to ensure that you receive the best possible care
Nephrologist:
The nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in caring for patients with kidney problems. The nephrologist writes your dialysis prescription, based on physical assessment and monthly lab results. You will be seen by the different nephrologists, depending on who is on call on your dialysis day. As your prescription is based on your lab works, no two prescriptions are the same. Patients are expected to comply with prescriptions for their own wellbeing. Please feel free to discuss your prescription with the nephrologist. The doctors will do rounds every week but if he is not on the unit during your treatment then your nurse will contact him for any concerns that you or your nurse may have.
Registered nurse:
The nurse will do the following: Prepare your dialysis machine. Assess you before, during and after each dialysis treatment. Start and stop your dialysis. Monitor you and your dialysis machine during your treatment to ensure that you have a safe treatment. Provide you with information about your treatment. Teach you about dialysis and care of your fistula or catheter. Make daily rounds for each patient. You will be assigned to a "primary nurse". This nurse will introduce himself/ herself and will be responsible in reviewing your lab results and dialysis treatment regularly. However you may ask for any assistance at any time.
Pharmacist:
The pharmacist will review your medications and provide any counseling about the medicines you receive. Please ask your nurse to contact the pharmacist if you have any questions or would like more information about your medication.
Dietitian:
The Dietitian provides counseling and resources about your special dietary needs. Please ask your nurse to contact the dietitian if you would like more information about your diet.
Ward clerk / translator:
The ward clerk registers you each time you arrive for treatment, answers phones, helps arrange tests and appointments and assists the rest of the team with translation as required.
Nursing assistant:
The nursing assistant will assist the registered nurses to care for you.
Dialysis Technician:
The biomedical engineer is responsible for maintaining and repairing the dialysis equipment. Occasionally it may be necessary for biomedical engineers to be present during your treatment to assess the machine.
For more information, please call: + 971 2 4944 773.