Winter 2026

In this issue

Collaboration Leads to Trusted Diet Resources for
Francophone Kidney Patients

BC Renal and New Brunswick’s Vitalité Health Network
Team up For Global Potential

BC Renal is well-known for producing high-quality resources for people living with kidney disease and now, thanks to a collaboration initiated by partners in New Brunswick, is in the process of having its evidence-based nutrition and diet resources translated into French. As a result, francophone renal dietitians and patients around the world will benefit.

Michelle DesRoches is a renal dietitian with New Brunswick’s Vitalité Health Network, the province’s health authority for its francophone population. After a 30+ year career working in dietetics, diabetes and now nephrology, she is all too familiar with the importance of diet. “What we eat and drink really has a direct impact on our health, and is crucial for people living with kidney disease,” she emphasizes. Read more.

People News

Many Thanks to BC Renal Project Manager Linda Turnbull As She Retires

After more than 13 years providing project management support and clinical guidance to BC Renal’s Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Committee and working groups, Linda Turnbull has retired and is embarking on new adventures.

Throughout her tenure, Linda generously shared her extensive knowledge and expertise, supporting every aspect of PD—from clinical practice and patient care to operations and administrative processes. Her guidance and collaboration supported a range of initiatives that shaped and advanced PD care at regional, provincial and national levels. Read more.

World Kidney Day 2026

From Prevention to Sustainability: Kidney Health for All

This year’s World Kidney Day theme, “Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” highlights the vital link between kidney health and planetary health. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 1 in 10 people in BC and often goes unnoticed — yet, early detection can save lives. At the same time, climate change and pollution are increasing the burden of CKD by negatively impacting overall human health. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events increase risks of dehydration and heat-related kidney injury, while air, land and water pollution contribute to CKD progression. Extreme weather events like wildfires and floods also make it harder for people already living with CKD to access life-sustaining kidney replacement therapies, such as dialysis or transplantation, and other aspects of care and support. Read more.

New and Updated Patient Resources

​​​​​​​HHD Patient Workbook Updated with Key Improvements
Submitted by: Salma Wadhwania

The Home Hemodialysis (HHD) Patient Workbook has been comprehensively revised by BC Renal, in collaboration with the BC Home Hemodialysis Educators Group. This updated edition aligns with current provincial standards and guidelines, integrates evidence‑informed clinical practice, and uses clearer, more patient‑centred language. Expanded content includes enhanced guidance on safety devices, vascular access care, troubleshooting, medication management, and emergency preparedness. The revised format supports consistent clinical education and practice across BC Renal home hemodialysis programs, while strengthening patient understanding, self‑management skills, and confidence in managing home hemodialysis.

The HHD Patient Workbook can be found in the Health Info > Home Hemodialysis section of the BC Renal website in English, Chinese and Punjabi.

New! Transplant Education Video for KCC and Dialysis Patients

A new BC Renal education video is now available to support both dialysis and non‑dialysis patients who are seeking more information about kidney transplant as a treatment option. The video covers a wide range of topics including how to find a living donor, the transplant process for living donors

and recipients, and the benefits of using a living donor versus a deceased donor. This updated resource replaces a previous version which was geared towards non-dialysis patients only. The new video will be used in KCC and dialysis settings across the province to support consistent, early and ongoing education for patients at different stages of kidney disease.

Watch it on our Youtube channel here.

Living Donor Kidney Transplants Resource for Social Workers

Supporting Living Donor Kidney Transplants: A New Resource for Social Workers
Submitted by: Taylor Nicholls

Living donor kidney transplants are often the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease because they offer the best chance for improved quality of life.

In recent years, BC Renal has partnered with BC Transplant on the Transplant First initiative, which promotes pre-emptive transplant (living donor transplants before dialysis begins).

As this initiative has grown, so has the role of home renal teams in guiding patients through the transplant journey. Social workers are central to this process, providing support with donor outreach, financial planning, and addressing psychosocial concerns. Read more

New and Improved PROMIS Password Reset Function

New & Improved! PROMIS Launches Enhanced Self‑Serve Password Reset
Submitted by: Charles Hoare

PROMIS has upgraded its self‑serve password reset feature, making it easier than ever to get back into the system - now with automated account recovery that no longer requires setting up security questions in advance!

Getting back into PROMIS is now quick and hassle‑free:

  1. On the PROMIS 4 login screen, click “Can’t Access Your Account”
  2. Select “I’ve forgotten my password”
  3. Choose “Email Temporary Password”

That’s it! A temporary password will be sent straight to your inbox, and you’ll be prompted to set a new one when you log in.

If you don’t see the email right away or something doesn’t quite work, PROMIS Support is ready to help – contact promis@bcrenal.ca.

Event Spotlight

Partner Resources

Visit the websites of our kidney-related partner organizations for additional resources, events and information:

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We acknowledge with gratitude that our BC Renal offices are located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish, home of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish peoples, as well as the Métis chartered communities of the Lower Mainland