Children are referred to renal clinic or nephrology consultation for an assessment (check-up) focused on kidney health. The clinic has a multidisciplinary approach to taking care of children and families, and you may meet the nephrologist and several members of the renal team:
- clerical staff to book appointments, lab tests and medical imaging studies
- an renal nurse clinician to help you understand your child’s condition and treatment
Because BCCH is a teaching hospital, you may also meet doctors-in-training (medical students, pediatric residents, and nephrology fellows).
Renal Program offers in-person appointments or virtual health visit appointments (by Zoom or telephone), when appropriate.
It is important to your child to make this visit as informative as possible, so the adult(s) who come with her/him should have the best knowledge of the history. Please bring the following to each clinic visit:
- Patient's BC CareCard/Service Card
- List of medications your child takes
- If you have a number of questions, most parents find it handy to make a list to bring with them
For more information on planning your visit, please see here: http://www.bcchildrens.ca/our-services/your-visit/planning-your-visit
Before you are seen at our clinic, you may need to complete lab tests and medical imaging studies before the clinic appointment. Clerical staff would have contacted you about arrangements. Call our clerical staff if you are unsure, 604-875-2272 extension 1, and listen for specialty clinic option. See Clinics tab for more contact information.
You and your child will have measurements done and then be seen by a renal nurse and clinic nephrologist. The staff nephrologist may be assisted by a doctor-in-training who will talk to you about your child’s health and then do a complete “physical” (check-up). You will be with your young child for the entire visit.
Young adults and parents are welcome to see the clinic staff separately, if desired.
Your first visit will be a minimum of 1½ hours. Plan on being at the hospital for at least 2 hours. Younger siblings may find this tiring, and although they are welcome, alternative babysitting arrangements may make your visit more comfortable.
BC Children's Hospital Support Services, has a Sibling Support Centre available for siblings who must be on campus while their brother or sister is in care or receiving care. A first-come, first served booking is required.
Please call 604-875-3594 or book online.
Visit Sibling Support Centre webpage more details.
Please let us know your questions and any way we can make this visit more comfortable for you.
If you need to cancel your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible (at least 48 hours ahead of time, if you can) so that your appointment time can be used by another patient. Call 604-875-2272.
If your child has been in contact with any infectious diseases (such as chicken pox or measles) during the three weeks before your appointment, please let us know immediately. We might need to reschedule your appointment.
If an interpreter would be helpful for you, please phone us as soon as possible and we will arrange for this.
