Kidney Conditions / Purditapira
The Nephrology Department incorporates the WCH Dialysis Unit and provides inpatient and outpatient services for children and young people living in South Australia and parts of NT who suffer from kidney disease, high blood pressure and kidney failure.
The Nephrology Department incorporates the WCH Dialysis Unit and provides inpatient and outpatient services for children and young people living in South Australia and the nearer parts of the Northern Territory who suffer from kidney disease, high blood pressure and kidney failure.
The Kaurna name for the Dialysis Unit is Purditapira, which means "A place that responds to the specific needs of the Kidneys (Renal) care for children and young people".
The Dialysis Unit provides dialysis treatment for acute and chronic renal failure, as well as paediatric apheresis. The end-stage renal failure treatment program includes:
- Chronic peritoneal dialysis
- Chronic haemodialysis
- Renal transplantation (part of the SA Renal Transplant Service).
The Department has special expertise in the investigation and management of:
- Paediatric kidney diseases
- Hypertension
- Genetic renal diseases
- Antenatal counselling for renal diseases
The Renal laboratory provides clinical support including:
- Urinalysis of spun sediment (RCPA and CAP accredited)
- 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring service
- 24 hour urine collection
- Dipstick education
- Plasma oxalate testing
The Unit works with a number of other hospital units including:
- The Urology Service – providing comprehensive management of infants and children with complex nephro-urological disorders
- The Intensive Care Units to manage acute renal failure and electrolyte problems
How to access this service
Written referrals are required. The referral may be from your general practitioner, general paediatrician or other specialist.
Visit the WCH Outpatient Referral page.
Hours
Department Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Location
Level 4, Zone B
Further information
If your child has complaints relating to the passing of urine or develops swollen hands, face or feet this may be due to kidney disease. You should see your local doctor who may refer you to our department. However, symptoms of kidney disease are not always obvious and often require your doctor to do simple screening tests such as a urine test or measure blood pressure.
You will need to bring the written referral from your doctor along with X-rays, Ultrasound pictures or any blood or urine test results your child may have had performed.
The WCH Social Work Service provides assistance for some families, particularly those with chronic or severe kidney disease. Kidney Health Australia (KHA) provides important community information and support for adults and children with kidney disease. The Kidney Helpline is 1800 454 363.
Nearly all patients referred to a kidney specialist will require a urine test and often, a blood test. Numbing creams to assist with the brief discomfort of needle prick of the blood test are available if necessary.
In addition, a kidney ultrasound examination (if not already done) and sometimes other scans may be required.
A small number of children may require a kidney biopsy which is usually performed under a general anaesthetic by one of the kidney specialists.
Contact
Phone
(08) 8161 7303
Mailing address
Department of Nephrology
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide
South Australia 5006
Staff
- Medical Unit Head – Dr Selma Torronen
- Nursing Unit Head – Kirsten Michels
For Professionals
The following guideline describes recommended investigation and follow up for a child with a single kidney.