We are one of the few programs in the region that specialize in caring for patients who have several serious health conditions on top of their kidney disease.
Our team also cares for patients who are in a reconditioning program and need dialysis treatments during their stay.
We work in partnership with the Scarborough Health Network to provide both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
What to expect
Depending on your needs, you will receive care in our Complex Continuing Care program or our reconditioning program.
Complex Continuing Care
During the first few weeks of your stay, our care team members will meet with you and your caregivers to talk about your care. We will discuss your goals and work with you to decide on a care plan that is specific to your needs.
Our care team will work with you to keep you medically stable, improve your well-being and maintain your current physical abilities. We will also help you and your caregivers adapt to any changes in your abilities that have been caused by your illness.
If you are receiving hemodialysis, our nurses will get you ready and bring you to the room where you will get the dialysis. A nurse will then bring you back to your room after and make sure you are feeling well.
If you are getting peritoneal dialysis, our nurses can perform the dialysis for you in your own room.
Leaving the hospital
We believe every patient has the potential to no longer need hospital-based care. Our complex care patients often stay with us for a long time, but we work together to understand when you may be ready to leave the hospital.
Your team will review your health status and care needs regularly. We will work with you and your caregivers to arrange for discharge when appropriate.
Reconditioning
Soon after you arrive, our care team members will meet with you and your caregivers to talk about your medical history and the reason for your stay. We will work with you to decide on therapy goals and a care plan that are specific to your needs.
For example, some patients are working toward getting out of bed and getting dressed independently. Others are working on becoming strong enough to run errands or to get back to work.
Therapy can take many different forms. In addition to physiotherapy and occupational therapy, we offer recreation therapy that can include arts and crafts, music or a bingo night. However, even daily activities like getting out of bed and moving to the washroom can help you gain strength.
Our care team encourages patients and their caregivers to take an active in role their rehabilitation. Your therapist or physician may teach you how to practice exercises on your own time in a safe way. Working on those therapy exercises on your own will help with your rehabilitation.
The length of your reconditioning program and the type of therapy it includes depends on your specific needs.
Leaving the hospital
We will help you start planning to leave the hospital soon after you arrive. Reconditioning patients can expect to go home within 90 days. Once you no longer need medical care at the hospital, you will be ready to leave Hennick Bridgepoint.
Please note we are a teaching hospital, so you may see medical students, residents and learners from various health professions as part of your care. Learners are supervised by other members of our dedicated health-care team who work together to provide you with comprehensive care.
Partners in care
You and your caregivers are important partners in your care. You can speak with any member of your care team about anything related to your care and reconditioning. You can also request a family/caregiver meeting with your team to discuss your progress, your goals and the plan for discharge.
