Independent dialysis rate exceeds target The percentage of patients on independent dialysis in British Columbia has reached an all-time high, meeting the target set by the BC Renal Agency and tracked by PHSA and the Ministry of Health. 
Nocturnal dialysis at Surrey Memorial
For patients who are not able to dialyze independently but would benefit from increased hours of dialysis treatment, Fraser Health is launching an overnight dialysis program at Surrey Memorial Hospital in June. The plan is to expand this program to Royal Columbian and Abbotsford Regional hospitals within two years. 
New telehealth clinic in Williams Lake
The first three patients for Interior Health’s newest telehealth clinic in Williams Lake were greeted by patient care coordinator Marg Daum on April 17 for appointments with Kamloops nephrologist Dr. Joslyn Conley via videoconference link. The new clinic is a clear winner for patients, as it saves them the six-hour return journey to Kamloops for nephrologist and kidney care team visits. GN Network first of kind in Canada The provincial coordination of renal care in British Columbia offers unique opportunities for initiatives like the BC Renal Agency’s Glomerulonephritis (GN) Network, according to nephrologist Dr. Sean Barbour, medical lead of the GN Network. Innovative program for ICU patients To improve treatment for critically ill patients with acute kidney failure, Fraser Health is launching a new and innovative pilot project in the Intensive Care Unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital this fall. BC Renal Agency appoints new administrative fellow Fraser Health renal pharmacist Dr. Clifford Lo, PharmD., is the BC Renal Agency’s new administrative fellow, starting in the position in July. PROMIS Modernization Project reaches milestone  The PROMIS Modernization Project reached a milestone recently with the completion of a high-level design for the system, reflecting the basic look and feel PROMIS will adopt. The new design is aligned with best practices in software system development and supports a consistent and integrated experience for system users.
 BC research poster featured at WCN 2013
A renal research poster developed by a BC-based team was accepted for presentation at the 2013 World Congress of Nephrology, being held May 31 – June 4 in Hong Kong. Kidney care initiative and provincial patient education strategy - Updates The BC Kidney Care initiative has developed provincial guidelines for lab work and medication reconciliation for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The guidelines will be posted to the BC Renal Agency website in May. Kidney Smart & World Kidney Day 2013 success 
This March, the annual Kidney Smart campaign and World Kidney Day events once again took centre stage as part of Kidney Health Month. Building on the success of last year’s initiatives, kidney disease awareness was promoted through the following channels: New order form for PD supplies An initiative to standardize the ordering process for peritoneal dialysis (PD) supplies has resulted in a single, simplified process for the 11 adult PD programs across the province. Through standardization, the number of PD supplies available for ordering has also been reduced. Be prepared...for a zombie attack! 
To highlight emergency preparedness month, Emergency Info BC is asking, “Are you ready for a zombie attack?" | | | | | | | | 
The first annual Shine a Light Kidney Gala, held March 4 at the Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver, was a resounding success, raising $120,000 for kidney research and services. Click for more... | | | | 
Preparation for the annual BC Kidney Days conference is in full swing, with several highlights already confirmed: | | | Western Canada PD Days 2013 re-cap | | Over 150 delegates from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba attended Western Canada PD Days, February 7-9 in Vancouver. With a focus on “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future,” sessions included: | | | | A call for organ donors  BC Transplant is appealing for British Columbians who think they are officially registered as organ donors to confirm their registration. | | | Kidney Foundation Update: Early screening for kidney disease | | | | | National Nursing Week: May 6-12th | | This year's theme, Nursing: A Leading Force for Change, celebrates the role of nurses at the forefront of effecting change in the quality of health care. We would like to thank all the nurses who tirelessly dedicate themselves to provide the best possible care to patients with kidney disease. Celebrate your team's commitment to improving the lives of patients. Check out the Canadian Nurses Association website for ideas on how to celebrate this important week. | | | |
