Introduction
Bellvitge University Hospital is the centre with the highest renal transplant activity in Spain and one of the main promoters of home dialysis techniques in Catalonia.
The Nephrology Service of Bellvitge University Hospital is a reference centre for nephrological care in part of the Barcelona Health Region (Alt Penedès, Garraf, Anoia, Baix Llobregat and Hospitalet de Llobregat). This task is carried out in collaboration with the nephrology care units of Igualada and the Moisès Broggi Hospital, the Garraf Health Consortium and the haemodialysis centres of Hospitalet (Fresenius Medical Care and Diaverum Servicios Renales), Sant Boi (Fresenius Medical Care) and Martorell (BBraun). In addition, the Service is a reference for renal transplants in the health regions of Terres de l'Ebre and Camp de Tarragona, which depend on the Joan XXIII Hospital in Tarragona for nephrological care.
We work along with primary care for the prevention, early detection and treatment of patients at risk of progression of chronic kidney disease. We coordinate with all the nephrology teams in our area in order to offer the best treatment option for each patient, from living donor kidney transplantation to conservative treatment. We consider the patient as the main actor in decision-making and responsible for self-care. To facilitate this, we develop innovative tools based on virtual reality and telemedicine.