Hemodialysis Unit

The Hemodialysis Unit offers services for patients whose kidneys have stopped working properly and need regular treatments to stay alive. 

Hemodialysis is required when the body’s kidneys can no longer do their job of cleaning the body’s blood, often because of damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes. 

What causes kidney damage?

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure (hypertension) 

• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other medications that could harm the kidneys 

• Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis) 

• Kidney cysts (polycystic kidney disease) 

• Drug dependence 

• Inherited kidney diseases 

Is it reversible?

No. Once your kidney loses all its functionality, it is irreversible. 

Hemodialysis is for patients whose kidneys have stopped working properly and need regular treatments to stay alive. 

There are 2 hemodialysis units in Eeyou Istchee. One unit is located in Mistissini and one unit in Chisasibi. Clients from Oujé-Bougoumou and Waswanipi get their treatments in Chibougamau. Soon Waskaganish will also have a unit. Some clients will need to travel to Montreal to receive treatment.

Hemodialysis is a procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney, or a dialyzer, are used to clean your blood. To get your blood into the dialyzer, the doctor needs to make an access, or entrance, into your blood vessels. This is done with minor surgery performed in Montreal. 

After this procedure, and working with a nurse who will support you, you will connect yourself to the hemodialysis machine. This machine will then clean your blood. This must be done approximately three to five times per week. It is not painful, but it is time-consuming.

Each hemodialysis session takes 3 to 4 hours per day, three day a week. A regular schedule will be assigned to you once you get there.  

To get this service, ask for an appointment with a nurse or a doctor at your CMC, so you can discuss your needs with them. They will refer you to the Hemodialysis Unit.

Ask your doctor or nephrologist (a medical doctor who specializes in kidney care and treating diseases of the kidneys), for more information.