Keeping Critical Care Close to Home

Burnaby Hospital’s role as a regional care provider depends on its ability to respond quickly and safely to the most complex medical needs. For patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), kidney failure presents a particularly urgent challenge. While dialysis is essential to remove toxins from the blood, traditional treatments can be too aggressive for patients whose bodies are already under severe strain.

Just last year, Burnaby Hospital did not have the specialized equipment required to deliver continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), a slower and more controlled form of dialysis designed for critically ill patients. As a result, many ICU patients requiring this care had to be transferred to other hospitals, introducing clinical risk, disrupting continuity of care, and placing additional strain on families.

That changed in March 2025, when donor support helped to fund CRRT equipment for the ICU. This technology allows dialysis to be delivered continuously over 24 hours, supporting unstable blood pressure and enabling care teams to treat patients safely on site. Patients can now remain at Burnaby Hospital, cared for by familiar teams in a setting designed for critical care.

Beyond individual outcomes, the impact is operational and long-term. Fewer transfers strengthen patient safety and staff efficiency, while early adoption of advanced technology supports training and preparedness. As Burnaby Hospital looks ahead to Phase Two of its redevelopment, including a new ICU, CRRT ensures the hospital is ready to deliver advanced care seamlessly in the expanded facility.

Through donor generosity, Burnaby Hospital is strengthening its critical care capacity today while laying the foundation for the future of complex, life-saving treatment in the community.