Department Introduction
It is our pleasure to welcome you to the Department of Nephrology at Hassabo International Hospital. We consider it an honor in HIH to care of our patients. Our Nephrology staff works together as a team with other consultants in several specialties to provide our patients the optimal care they deserve. In a caring, professional and compassionate environment in which you will receive the full spectrum of medical services which will entail consultation, diagnosis and treatment.
We do our best for you to be clearly aware of all about your kidney condition, including symptoms, causes, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options. Our goal is to assist you in making informed decisions that improves your quality of life, and ultimately help you take control of your health.
Department Overview
What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is a specialty of medicine which is concerned with evaluation, diagnosis, and management of kidney diseases, including electrolyte imbalance, high blood pressure (hypertension), and also concerned with the care of patients requiring renal replacement therapy which may be in the form of dialysis
The kidney diseases are commonly systemic disorders not limited to the organ and so it requires specific treatment according to the other systems involved in the disease. Examples include acquired diseases which are mainly systemic vasculitis and autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus). In addition, congenital or genetic conditions affecting the kidney such as polycystic kidney disease.
What is a nephrologist?
- A nephrologist is a physician who is well trained to be able to diagnose and manage
- kidney disease, by regulating blood pressure, regulating electrolytes, balancing fluids in the body, and administering dialysis. The approach is depending on the patient condition and needs.
When should I see a Nephrologist?
Most people are referred to a Nephrologist by their primary doctor. Nephrologists are internists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the kidney and urinary system. Nephrologists may consult with patients for short-term kidney illnesses, or they may serve as a primary doctor for patients who have long-term (chronic) kidney problems or who are on dialysis.
Know The Warning Sign
Early detection is the key to preventing serious health problems. Regular, periodic physical exams can help diagnose kidney disease and other medical conditions at early, treatable stages.
If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment with your physician for blood and urine tests. The only way to know the causes of your symptoms is to see your doctor.
- High blood pressure
- Burning or difficulty when urinating
- Frequent urination at night
- Blood in your urine
- Cola or tea-colored urine
- Swelling of the eyes, ankles, or feet
- Lower back pain unrelated to physical activityFatigue or Dizziness
- A metallic taste in the mouth or ammonia breath
- Protein aversion (no longer wanting to eat meat)
- Urine that is foamy or bubbly
- Feeling cold all the time
What does our Department Offer?
- Treatment of Kidney diseases
- Evaluation of kidney stone disorders
- Blood disorders related to advanced kidney diseases and anemia
- High Blood Pressure
- Anemia Management – 80% of all kidney patients become anemic
- Kidney patients sometimes become anemic due to the kidney failing to produce enough Erythropoietin and red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When you become anemic, you might feel tired, dizzy, short of breath, cold or confused. A simple blood test can confirm your anemia at which time the physician will prescribe iron and Epoetin Alfa injections.
- Hemodialysis –cleanses the blood and returns it to your body
- Performed in an outpatient setting. Our medical staff will coordinate a convenient location and our Nephrologist will visit you at the dialysis clinic on a regular basis.
- Peritoneal Dialysis – removes waste from the blood through the abdominal cavity
There is life after Dialysis.
Most of our patients lead active, productive lifestyles. Our medical staff will provide you with information to help you understand dialysis and learn things that you can do to improve your daily life and take charge of your health.
Information About The Clinic
The renal team of doctors, nurses, dietitians, and other members are available at clinic to meet your needs and ensure you receive the best possible care. Additional referrals and appointments can also be made at clinic.
At the clinic you will undergo routine assessments, which may include having your weight taken, recording of your blood pressure and urine testing.
You will be seen by a doctor who may refer you to be seen by other members of the
Kidney Care team.
At the clinic a plan will be made in relation to your next visit, changes to medications or other aspects of your care.
Patients are generally seen by appointment, however if your situation is urgent, please inform our staff when you call or visit our 24/7 Emergency Department. Every effort will be made to see you as soon as possible and the physician will be immediately notified to assess your needs.
When you schedule your appointment, we will ask you to provide important information that will help us evaluate your current condition:
- Be prepared with the questions you want to ask
- Bring a notebook and pen, we encourage you to take notes
- If this is a follow up visit, you have to remember to write down the changes you have experienced since your last visit.
- All records that refer in any way to your condition
- A complete list of your medications
- All prior medical records, including x-ray films, biopsy reports, lab and/or pathology records
- Any necessary referrals or prior authorization required by your insurance company
Questions & Comments
If, after reading this leaflet, you still have questions, please do not hesitate to ask the Specialists or nurses in our unit. They will be happy to give you more information or arrange a meeting with the Consultant / Medical Director.
We would appreciate it if you could let us know whether you are satisfied with our care. For this purpose a visitor’s book & patient satisfaction form is available in each of our departments. We would like you to write down your comments, experiences and/or suggestions for improvement, so that we can share this with our staff members. This input may help us to improve the service at the centre.
The Medical Director /patient & care provider service center can be reached on
01006625687 – 23520003 – 23521002 – 23520008 – 23521006 – 23521007 – 23520040
or via the e-mail address:
Our Mission
Physicians and staff members in the Nephrology Department are dedicated to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive care available. In addition, our goal is to continue educating patients and their family members to help them gain a solid understanding of all care provided and procedures performed. Visit our Department of Nephrology with any questions you may have