The Government of Yukon has signed a letter of intent with the BC Renal Agency to maximize opportunities for Yukoners to receive dialysis in Yukon.
This new partnership will increase focus on early intervention and support of independent dialysis options. A primary goal will be to work with patients early in their kidney disease process to help maintain kidney function without requiring dialysis.
Yukoners identified as candidates for peritoneal or home dialysis will be supported to receive training in B.C., and provided with the home equipment, and where necessary, home supports to ensure a positive outcome.
A review by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health recommends independent, home-based dialysis as the preferred first option for patients requiring dialysis. Home-based dialysis is just as effective as hemodialysis provided in a hospital setting.
This release has been updated to clarify medical terminology.
We are committed to providing Yukoners with access to the care they need, where they need it. I am very pleased to announce that with the support of BC Renal Agency, Yukoners with Chronic Kidney Disease will now receive increased support here at home.
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
BC’s Kidney care community is proud and privileged to continue to be able to support those living in the Yukon with kidney disease. This new initiative will formalize the range of services across the continuum to improve outcomes and ensure the sustainability of the best kidney care for people in the territory.
BC Renal executive director Dr. Adeera Levin
There are approximately 61 individuals in Yukon with diagnosed chronic kidney disease. None of them currently require dialysis.
As of October 2019, there were 10 Yukon patients on peritoneal dialysis in Yukon. There were none on home hemodialysis. That number has fluctuated between zero and two for the past six years; the peritoneal numbers have fluctuated between four and 10.
The Government of Yukon and BC Renal Agency are setting the framework to improve services and better support patients with kidney disease in territory. This is a first in the 30-year history of renal care delivery in the territory.
This framework includes exploring early intervention, prevention and localized navigational support to help prevent progression early. These are fundamental first steps to building capacity and sustainability of renal services and optimizing outcomes for Yukoners.
It is estimated it would cost between $2.5 and $3 million to establish an in-centre hemodialysis unit. Establishing a home dialysis program will cost less than $1 million and would permit the care of a larger number of individuals. As part of the agreement, government is working with B.C. Renal on actual costs to deliver a home dialysis program. Even with an in-centre dialysis unit, end stage kidney patients would still have to travel to B.C. or Alberta for this very specialized care.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Pat Living
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-3673
patricia.living@gov.yk.ca