The Hemodialysis Clinic provides life-giving treatment, helping patients cope with the medical and environmental challenges of end-stage renal disease. People coping with end-stage renal disease face many challenges each day. But, in the Hemodialysis Unit at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center, they don’t face those challenges alone.

The clinic’s outstanding health care team of nephrologists, specially trained nurses and technicians, social workers, and dieticians work closely with patients and their families. Patients benefit from the very latest in dialysis technology and treatment as well as from opportunities for social interaction and mutual support. Staff members are bilingual in English and Spanish and can provide translation for a number of other languages as well.

The environment of care has been designed with patient comfort as a priority. The 22-station unit features private cable television and fully furnishes lounge complete with lockers, a microwave oven, and a refrigerator.

The Healthcare Team
Board-certified nephrologists supervise and coordinate care for each renal patient. A physician is in attendance and available for consultation during treatment visits; physicians are also on call 24 hours every day. Services of the Unit include:

• Regular physical examinations
• Monthly monitoring of blood chemistries
• Personalized care by specially trained nurses and technicians
• Patient education and instruction in self-care
• Individualized lengths of treatment
• Use of high efficiency, high flux dialyzers as medically indicated
• Bicarbonate treatments
• On-site radiology services
• Transplant referral

Social Work and Vocational Services
A social worker offers patients and their families counseling to help them cope with the challenges of kidney disease and dialysis. Job training and assistance with medical insurance, housing, travel concerns, and referrals to appropriate community agencies and resources are also available.

Nutritional Services
A dietitian works closely with each patient to develop an individualized diet that provides the correct balance of minerals, fluids, and protein that are essential to the successful treatment of kidney disease.

Special Activities
A Patient Relations Committee actively represents patients’ interests in various care issues. The committee also organizes trips, picnics, an annual holiday party, bake sales, and other special events for patients’ enjoyment throughout the year.

Referral and Admission Process
Physicians, social workers, and discharge planners can refer patients to the Hemodialysis Unit. Patients may also self refer. Information on documentation required for application will be given upon request. Visiting patients from around the world are also welcomed. In order to best accommodate schedules, it is helpful to make arrangements for treatment through the home unit in advance.

For specific information regarding dialysis or outpatient referrals, call (212) 360-3863. For inpatient admissions, call (212) 360-1025 or (212) 360-3980.

Appointment Schedule
The Hemodialysis Unit is open Monday through Saturday form 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with dialyzing on four shifts. All treatments are scheduled by appointment.