Assistance for at-risk PD patients  A business case has been developed for a pilot project to assess the value of providing community-based help for patients on home-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) who face significant challenges. This patient group includes those who are elderly and/or disabled, with compromised strength or dexterity, and those with mental health challenges or addictions, but who are otherwise well-suited to PD therapy. Latest KCC report indicates improvement in care  The BC Renal Agency’s latest Kidney Care Centre (KCC) Key Indicator Report for the six-month period April – September 2013 indicates that outcomes or process measures for CKD patients have improved across a number of areas from the time of the previous report, in spring 2012. These improvements may stem from the implementation of a standardized provincial approach to CKD care.
Provincial purchase of HD machines The BC Renal Agency is leading a process to change the way hemodialysis (HD) machines are supplied to renal units across the province. In collaboration with Health Shared Services BC (HSSBC) and the regional health authorities, the agency is in discussion with a variety of suppliers for a large-scale purchase of HD machines for use in community and hospital dialysis units province-wide. In the past, HD machines have been purchased by each of the health authorities separately.  New HHD machines on the way
The BC Renal Agency is in the final stages of contract completion with Gambro for the purchase of new home hemodialysis (HHD) machines. Gambro is a leading supplier of HHD technology and has been the agency’s long-term vendor partner for HHD supplies. Save the Veins training module  Two years ago, the BC Renal Agency launched its Save the Veins campaign to alert nurses and other care staff throughout BC about the need to avoid unnecessary vein punctures for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Online support for a kidney-friendly diet 
A new online resource is now available for people with kidney disease who struggle to maintain a balanced diet. The Kidney Community Kitchen is an easy-to-use online diet and nutrition resource specially designed for people with kidney disease. Treating kids with nephrotic syndrome The pediatric renal team at BC Children’s Hospital has created a clinical pathway for the optimal treatment of children with nephrotic syndrome – one of the most common renal problems encountered in the clinic. The clinical pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary team over an 18-month period. The results have been put together in a handbook about nephrotic syndrome and its treatment. The handbook is intended for parents and is available in the clinic. A similar handbook is being developed for distribution to pediatricians around the province. RESEARCH  Study to ensure critical evaluation of expensive biologic drugs A new national study by a team of BC renal pharmacists is looking at the possible advantages and disadvantages of replacing expensive biologic drugs used for renal patients, such as EPO, with new “biosimilar” drugs. 
Renal Agency's funding model gets national attention
The BC Renal Agency’s model for funding patient care throughout the province is the subject of an article to be published in December 2013 by Healthcare Quarterly, a national journal dedicated to leading practices in health care delivery and policy in Canada. | | | | | | | BC nephrologist wins national award | |  The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) has honoured BC nephrologist Dr. Victor Chan with its 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication to helping people with diabetic renal disease. As chairman of a CDA regional fundraising committee, Dr. Chan helped organize a Chinese Gala that raised almost $100,000 for diabetes programs and services. | | | Dr. Levin to head new CSN journal | | BC Renal Agency executive director Dr. Adeera Levin has been appointed editor in chief of the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health & Disease, a new journal to be published by the Canadian Society of Nephrology. | | | Shine a Light Kidney Gala | |  Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Shine a Light Kidney Gala, March 6, 2014 at Science World in Vancouver. This elegant cocktail party is held in support of people with kidney disease and kidney research and is co-sponsored by The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch and The Canadian Society for Nephrology. Tickets are $165 and can be purchased at www.shinealightkidneygala.ca. For more information about the gala, contact shinealight@kidney.bc.ca. | | | BC Kidney Days - A success | | 
BC Kidney Days 2013 was a great success, attracting 560 participants from across BC and Canada. Held every year in Vancouver and co-hosted by the BC Renal Agency and BC Transplant, the conference brings together healthcare providers and administrators for two days of informative sessions and networking. | | | BC Kidney Days - Poster winners | |  The 2013 Clinical Research Award was presented to Robin Cho, Vian Cheng, Phuong Hoang and Clifford Lo from the Surrey Memorial Hospital Renal Unit for a study of the optimal timing for providing erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) to hemodialysis patients. The study compared the effects of administering ESAs at the beginning and at the end of hemodialysis for 40 patients and found no statistical difference. The result supports ESAs being given to patients at any time that agrees with the workflow of renal unit staff.
| | | |  The 23rd annual Western Canada PD Days conference will be held in Vancouver April 3–4, 2014 at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel. Online registration for the conference will be available in January. For more information, click here. | | | Season's greetings to all, and best wishes for 2014! | | | |
