Advanced Kidney Care
Introduction to Advanced Kidney Care
The Advanced Kidney Care team is based in Clinic G, Purple Zone, Level 3 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
If your kidney function becomes low, your doctor may refer you to the Advanced Kidney Care Clinic. This appointment gives you time to talk about your kidney health and the treatment options that may be suitable for you.
Before your clinic appointment, you may be invited to a nurse-led education session. At this session, we will explain the treatment options in a clear and supportive way. We encourage you to bring a family member, carer or friend with you so they can listen, ask questions and support you.
Depending on your health and circumstances, the options we may discuss with you include:
- Kidney transplantation
- Home therapies, such as peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis at home
- In-centre haemodialysis at a dialysis unit
- Supportive care
You can find more detailed information about these options in the relevant sections of this webpage.
Common symptoms of kidney failure
Symptoms of kidney failure can develop slowly. They can also be different from person to person.
- Tiredness
- Swelling – ankles, hands, face
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite/ Nausea/Vomiting
- Itching
- Problems with concentration
- Raised Blood Pressure
This is not a full list. You may have some, all, or none of these symptoms. Some symptoms may also be caused by other medical conditions. Please discuss any symptoms that worry you with your kidney doctor at your clinic appointment or with your GP.
If your symptoms change between clinic appointments, or if you are worried, please contact the Advanced Kidney Care nurses for advice.
Contact Details
Telephone: 01224 559497 OR 01224 558832
email: gram.akcandtransplant@nhs.scot
Advanced Kidney Care Specialist Nurses
Nephrology,
Clinic G,
Purple Zone
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Forresterhill Road
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZN
Advanced Kidney Care Clinic
You will be monitored in the Advanced Kidney Care Clinic until you need kidney replacement treatment, such as dialysis or transplant. The clinic aims to help keep your kidney function as stable as possible, support you to choose the right treatment option, and arrange any tests or procedures at the right time.
The clinic is held on Monday mornings in Clinic G. Please allow around 1 to 1½ hours for your appointment and bring a fresh urine sample if you can.
When you arrive, a clinic nurse will check your weight, blood pressure and urine. You will then see one of the clinic doctors, have blood tests, and may speak with a dietitian or an Advanced Kidney Care nurse. You may not always see your named consultant, but your results and care plan will be reviewed by the wider team.
After clinic, the doctor will write to your GP about any changes to your treatment plan, such as medication changes or repeat blood tests. You will also receive a letter with details of your next appointment. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible so the appointment can be offered to someone else.
Depending on your needs, we may refer you for a home visit from one of our specialist teams. They can discuss options such as kidney transplant, living donation, peritoneal dialysis or home haemodialysis in a more relaxed setting. You are welcome to invite family, carers or friends to join the discussion.
Supportive Care Clinic
Supportive care may be offered if dialysis is not the best option for you, or if you choose not to have dialysis. This may be because of age, frailty, other health conditions, or because dialysis would be too difficult or burdensome.
The aim of supportive care is to help manage symptoms, support quality of life, and provide care that is right for you and your family.
You may continue to be seen in the Advanced Kidney Care Clinic, and may move to the Supportive Care Clinic if symptoms become harder to manage. The clinic is run by a kidney doctor and a palliative care doctor, who work together to help control symptoms and offer support as your condition changes.
Hepatitis B vaccination
Hepatitis B is a virus that can affect the liver. It is spread through contact with blood or body fluids.
People with chronic kidney disease may need dialysis or a kidney transplant in the future. These treatments can involve contact with blood, so hepatitis B vaccination is recommended to help reduce the risk of infection.
Most healthy adults clear hepatitis B infection, but people with kidney disease may be at higher risk of more serious infection or liver problems.
Kidney guidelines recommend that people who may need kidney replacement treatment are tested for hepatitis B and offered vaccination if needed.
We follow safety procedures to reduce the risk of hepatitis B, but vaccination gives extra protection.
Your kidney team will discuss vaccination with you in clinic and refer you to your local vaccination centre if needed. Depending on the vaccine used, you may need 3 or 4 doses over about 6 months.
After your vaccine course, we will check your blood to see how well your body has responded. We may repeat this check from time to time. If needed, we may recommend a booster or another vaccine course.
As with any vaccine, side effects can happen. The vaccination team will talk to you about these before giving the vaccine and will ask about any previous vaccine reactions.
Possible side effects include:
Common side effects can include redness, tenderness, pain or swelling where the injection was given, and headache.
Less common side effects can include fever, flu-like symptoms or a skin rash. Very rarely, a severe allergic reaction can happen. The vaccination team will explain what to look out for and what to do if you feel unwell after vaccination.