The Dialysis Clinic
The Horacio Oduber Hospital Aruba, has been assisting patients on dialysis and their family members since 1981. Dialysis care at our hospital is provided by a team of professionals including qualified dialysis nurses and nephrologists (physicians specialized in kidney diseases). Over the years the Dialysis Clinic has developed into a very modern clinic in the Caribbean. The Dialyses clinic is a hospital-based unit with 21 dialysis units and is located behind the main building of the hospital.
The clinic is open from Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The clinic is closed on Sundays. Outside these hours, a nephrologist or a dialysis nurse on duty is available by telephone through the operator.
For more information:
Telephone: (+297) 527-4371
E-mail manager: r.kraaijvanger@hoharuba.com
The Team
The Manager
There is a manager who is responsible for the organization of the unit, the staffing, patient care, and policy-related activities. In addition, the manager is responsible for the management of the equipment.
Medical specialists
Three nephrologists are employed by the clinic. One of the nephrologists is the medical chief. The manager and the medical chief are jointly responsible for the clinic’s policy.
Dialysis nurse
These are specialized nurses, who, after graduating from basic nursing school, have specialized as a dialysis nurse.
Dialysis assistant
These are specialized practical nurses, who, after graduating from basic practical nursing school, have specialized as a dialysis assistant.
Administrative office
The administrative staff is involved in all telephone and administrative activities concerning the outpatient clinic visits and the dialysis.
Social work
A social worker, who is available for requests for assistance in the psychosocial area, is an employee of the dialysis clinic. An initial meeting always takes place. You can call the social worker without any obligation. All information is treated confidentially.
Dietician
The kidney disease dietician works at the dietetic unit. The dietician can help you make choices with regard to your nutrition, so that you can reduce and/or prevent certain symptoms.
Medical technology
Employed within the unit is also a medical technician who takes care of the maintenance and repairs of the dialysis equipment and other medical equipment.
Opening hours
The clinic is open daily, except Sundays, between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Dialysis takes place in the morning and in the afternoon.
Accessibility
In case of medical problems related to dialysis, please contact the Dialysis Clinic.
Direct telephone number Dialysis Clinic: (+297) 527-4371.
In case of medical problems related to dialysis outside opening hours, please contact the reception clerk of the hospital and ask for the dialysis nurse on duty. Telephone number reception clerk hospital: 527-4000.
Treatments
Pre-dialysis
In the pre-dialysis phase, the outpatient regularly visits the outpatient clinic nephrology also situated in the building of the Dialysis Clinic. In this period, the patient and the nephrologist determine what treatment of renal function replacement therapy will be most suitable. Conversations also take place with the social worker, the dietician, and the specialized dialysis nurse.
Direct telephone number of the outpatient clinic nephrology during office hours:
(+297) 527-4071.
Forms of hemodialysis
In case of hemodialysis, the patient comes to the dialysis clinic three times per week according to the nephrologist’s instructions. The regular treatment takes 3 to 4 hours. Patient transportation to the Dialysis Clinic can be provided a patient transport company. The driver assists the patient, if necessary, in getting to the waiting room of the dialysis clinic.
Active dialysis
At our unit, self-care with regards to the treatment is stimulated. The patient can be trained to carry out the treatment as much as possible by himself, supervised by a dialysis nurse or dialysis assistant. The dialysis nurse or dialysis assistant remains the person ultimately responsible. The patient can determine to what extent he or she wants to be trained in self-care.
Passive dialysis
If the patient is not capable of actively participating in the dialysis treatment, care will be provided by the dialysis nurse or the dialysis assistant.
Access to the bloodstream
During the dialysis, a good, permanent connection between the bloodstream and the artificial kidney is necessary. This is called a shunt. A shunt is implanted surgically by the surgeon. Temporary access to the bloodstream can also be made by means of a dialysis catheter.
Forms of peritoneal dialysis
There are various forms of peritoneal dialysis: CAPD = Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and APD = Automated Peritoneal Dialysis. With PD, the dialysis patient can carry out his or her own treatment at home. The dialysate gets into the abdominal cavity through a permanent connection by means of a peritoneal dialysis catheter.
CAPD
In this case, the patient uses dialysate that runs into and out of the abdominal cavity through a catheter. The patient learns during training how to treat himself. The diet and consumption of fluids are less limited than in case of hemodialysis.
APD
In case of Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), a machine is used to exchange the fluids. The dialysis takes place at home, during the night, when the patient sleeps.
Transplant
Beside hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, a kidney transplant is another option of renal function replacement therapy. In consultation with the nephrologist, it will be assessed whether the patient qualifies for a kidney transplant. Kidney transplant preparation takes place in Aruba, the actual surgery takes place in the Netherlands.
Vacation Dialysis
Dialysis during your vacation is a service that we offer at the Horacio Oduber Hospital with the guarantee of receiving professional and quality medical care. Our team at the Dialysis Clinic guarantees you a vacation worry free at the One Happy Island of Aruba.
If you’re interested in dialysis during your stay in Aruba you can click here for more information about the treatment and the costs. If you have any questions feel free to contact us by sending an email to r.carolina@hoharuba.com.
Contact – The Dialysis Clinic
Horacio Oduber Boulevard #1
Email: dialyse@hoharuba.com
Phone: (+297) 527-4371
Fax: (+297) 588-7897
Miscellaneous Information
Direct telephone number dialysis clinic: (+297) 527-4371
Direct telephone number of the outpatient clinic nephrology: (+297) 527-4071