The Nightcliff Renal Unit (NRU) is situated in the suburb of Nightcliff. It is mid way between Darwin city and the northern suburbs and easily accessible by public transport. The unit has undergone significant expansion in the last twenty years and is now at capacity.
The unit is open from 0700hrs to 2100hrs six days a week and offers two sessions a day with 20 patients each shift. We encourage and support selfcare tailored to each patient's ability.
We hold one holiday position offering dialysis on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday afternoon. There is a great demand in the "dry" season so early bookings are essential.
The unit is fortunate to have staff with a wide range of skills from advanced renal practitioners to beginning practitioners. Our skills mix includes RN's, EN's, and Aboriginal Health Workers. These staff are supported by dialysis trained PCA's who provide support to both staff and patients. They have become an integral part of our team.
The Renal Educator runs three dialysis courses each year. The theoretical and practical components are offered in conjunction with the Charles Darwin University and form part of the nationally accredited Renal Diploma.
We are supported at Nightcliff Renal by a paramedical team, which includes a dietitian, pharmacy technician, a social worker and two Aboriginal Liaison Officers. The Nephrologists, Registrar and RMO based at Royal Darwin Hospital, provide medical support as required and review patients at planned monthly clinics.
Peritoneal Dialysis Program
The Peritoneal Dialysis programme is co-ordinated from the NRU and currently has a staff of 1.5FTE. This programme is expanding rapidly in line with similar programmes throughout Australia. Our trips to rural and remote areas to re-locate or visit patients in their communities are a highlight of our year. The catchment area for patients coming onto dialysis in our unit extends from the Queensland border in the east to the Western Australian border in the west and south to Elliot and provides us with a number of challenges in the "wet" season.