For people living with kidney disease, dialysis can be a significant part of their everyday life. The new specialized hemodialysis clinical space at the South Niagara Hospital will make that experience more comfortable and accessible, while giving patients more options as their care needs change.
Photo from the Kidney Care and Hemodialysis space, September 2026
When the new hospital opens in 2028, the Kidney Care Program will operate across all three sites - Marotta Family, Welland and South Niagara hospitals. The new unit will feature 42 dialysis stations, adding 12 more spaces to the region. The expanded space will support both inpatients and outpatients, while creating opportunities for patients to explore different ways of receiving their care.
The patient’s experience begins before treatment does. Patients receiving dialysis at the South Niagara Hospital will have a dedicated entrance on the east side of the building, with parking available in the adjacent parking lot. They will also be able to access the unit through an entrance within the hospital.
Inside, the purpose-built environment is designed to support patients throughout their treatment while also giving the care team greater flexibility. The unit will include dedicated patient amenities, spaces for education and training and innovative technology to support care.
“The space has been thoughtfully designed with both patient experience and accessibility in mind,” says Jennifer Law, Director of Kidney Care and Ambulatory Programs. “Patients will also benefit from views of the surrounding natural landscape, helping to create a more welcoming and therapeutic experience while receiving dialysis.”
The new unit will also give patients more opportunities to learn about their treatment options. The six-station Transitional Care Unit will provide education and one-on-one support for patients beginning their dialysis journey, including information about hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, kidney transplant and comfort-focused care.
"Patients will also benefit from views of the surrounding natural landscape, helping to create a more welcoming and therapeutic experience while receiving dialysis.”
The Kidney Care team says the opportunity to collaborate with the multidisciplinary team in the Transitional Care Unit will deepen their understanding of kidney health options and strengthen the support they provide to patients.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Care for more than 400 patients requiring dialysis three to five times per week.
- 42 dialysis stations
- 3 home dialysis training rooms
- 6 exam consult rooms
- 1 procedure room
- 3 consult/quiet rooms
- 40 seats for waiting, including
- 7 wheelchair locations
- 30,875 square-feet
Patients will be able to meet with members of their Kidney Care team, including dietitians, social workers, transplant coordinators and renal nurse navigators to help them understand their options and decide what approach is best for them. Dedicated space for home dialysis training will also make it easier for patients who choose to explore treatment at home.
Providing care in a space designed specifically around kidney patients and the reality of their treatment means patients will receive the right level of care at the right time, while also providing them with options as their care needs change.
For patients who have been receiving dialysis for years, however, one thing won’t change, says Law.
“Most importantly, while the physical space may be new, patients will continue to receive the same level of compassionate, expert care they know and trust from the Kidney Care team.”
Photos from the Kidney Care and Hemodialysis space, September 2026
