Renal services

About kidney disease

If you are new to chronic kidney disease and want to find out what your kidneys do, the risk factors that contribute to kidney disease and ways to manage symptoms, we recommend you access Kidney Health Australia’s  website here. Kidney Health Australia also provide a range of videos and illustrations to help explain the important role kidneys play in helping us stay well.

People with kidney disease report some common symptoms:

• Anaemia
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Insomnia
• Changes to appetite
• Changes to taste
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Diarrhoea and Constipation
• Swelling
• Problems with breathing
• Pain
• Bone disease
• Itch
• Restless Legs

There are many ways to reduce symptoms and allow you to do the things that are important to you.

It is important that you speak with a member of your Renal Supportive Care Team if you would like help managing these symptoms.

In Tasmania, we have renal services at:

• Royal Hobart Hospital Nephrology Unit (main satellite unit)
• Royal Hobart Hospital Karingal home therapies training facility
• Royal Hobart Hospital Acute Dialysis Unit
• Launceston General Hospital Renal Unit
• Kings Meadows Satellite Renal Unit.
• North West Satellite Renal Unit

People who attend these centres are those with:

• Long-standing kidney disease (not yet on dialysis)
• kidney disease who may develop kidney failure and need symptom management and supportive care
• on peritoneal dialysis
• on haemodialysis
• who are going to have a kidney transplant or who have had a kidney transplant.

Renal services provided include

• Education for patients, families and carers about living with kidney disease and treatment options for renal disease.
• Haemodialysis treatment.
• Vascular services.
• Education and support for people on home haemodialysis.
• Education, support and home visits for people on peritoneal dialysis.
• Education and support for people on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
• Follow-up for people after a kidney transplant.
• Education and support for patients choosing a supportive care pathway without dialysis treatment.
• Education and support for people considering kidney donation.
• Outpatient clinics and tests.
• Staff education on kidney disease and treatments.

For more detailed information on services available please refer to Kidney Patient Care.

Renal unit locations and contact

Outpatient clinics

A range of renal outpatient clinics operate from various locations across the state. Please ask your doctor where you can access services as there may be one offered closer to where you live via Community Health Centres.

Outpatient services

For more information on the diagnosis, assessment and management of renal disease and ongoing care, visit these outpatient services websites:

• advanced renal disease
• renal stones