The Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Department
Established in 1997, the Pediatric Nephrology and Kidney Dialysis Department at Augusta Victoria Hospital became the first of its kind in Palestine. The specialized department provides care for children with kidney problems, including those who require kidney dialysis. Pediatric nephrology is a medical subspecialty that focuses on the care and treatment of children with kidney diseases. Kidney dialysis is a treatment that is used to remove excess waste and fluid from the body when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
Prior to the opening of the unit, many patients with kidney problems had to be referred to hospitals in Israel for treatment. However, with the establishment of AVH's dialysis and kidney care unit, patients were able to receive the care they need closer to home.
In 2009, the hospital expanded its services further with the opening of a new center for specialized child care, which includes a dedicated pediatric dialysis unit. This expansion was a response to the growing need for this type of care in Palestine.
The goal of the Pediatric Nephrology and Kidney Dialysis Department is to help children with kidney problems maintain a good quality of life and achieve optimal kidney function. This may involve medications, dietary changes, and other treatments to manage the underlying kidney problems, as well as dialysis treatments to support the function of the kidneys.
The Pediatric Dialysis Unit at AVH is committed to providing children with end-stage renal failure with the best possible quality of life through continuous and effective treatment, to minimize complications as a result of dialysis, and to prepare for potential future kidney transplant.
The doctors and other healthcare professionals who work in this department are trained in the treatment of children with kidney problems and are skilled in performing various procedures such as kidney biopsies, placement of dialysis catheters, and dialysis treatments. They work alongside members of the healthcare team; including nurses, dietitians, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to their patients.