Chronic Kidney Disease Program finds permanent home at York Central Hospital

Program manager Barbara Gray says new location demonstrates commitment to patients

York Region Chronic Kidney Disease Program’s manager Barbara Gray, clinical director Dr. Bharat Nathoo and former director Ainsley Gillespie

Wednesday February 11, 2009 -- Jason Thompson 

The Chronic Kidney Disease Program has found a permanent home at York Central Hospital and is providing a welcoming environment for patients who are frequently returning to the hospital for continuous treatment.

The move to a new location, which is part of York Central Hospital’s major construction and redevelopment project, provides patients and their family members with a bright and spacious setting as well as private spaces for patients to receive education, on-going support and dialysis treatments.

“We’re delighted with the new location of our program,” says Barbara Gray, manager of the Chronic Kidney Disease Program.

“Our patients become like family. This new spacious and comfortable location is conducive to delivery of clinical excellence and demonstrates our commitment to our patients.”

According to York Central Hospital, patients travel from across York Region and beyond for the expert treatment and compassionate care provided by the chronic kidney disease health-care team.

As a result of the overwhelming demand for services, York Central Hospital also operates the program out of a satellite location in Oak Ridges, which is closer to home for many people in the northern reaches of York Region.

“Kidney disease affects many people and their families,” says Dr. Bharat Nathoo, clinical director of the Chronic Kidney Disease Program at York Central Hospital.

Nathoo says in the later stage of kidney disease, patients may return to the hospital three times a week for three to four hours at a time to receive dialysis treatment.

In the early stages of kidney disease, proper medical follow-up, medication and proper diet may slow damage to the kidneys although many of these patients will eventually require dialysis or kidney transplantation.

“It’s a big commitment for patients as well as their family supports and we want to ensure they get the best possible care in the best possible facilities.”