For many patients living with kidney disease, getting the care they need has often meant transferring long distances to larger hospitals for specialized treatment. But now, thanks to new technology and innovation at Hereford Regional Medical Center (HRMC), patients needing inpatient dialysis can receive advanced kidney care right here at home in Hereford.

HRMC recently launched a new inpatient nephrology and dialysis program, powered by a telemedicine partnership that connects our nurses and patients directly with board-certified nephrologists — doctors who specialize in kidney care.

What is Tele-Nephrology?

Tele-Nephrology is a form of telemedicine that uses secure video technology to connect patients and local care teams with nephrologists in real time. The nephrologists are not physically in our hospital, but they are on our care team and available through virtual technology for patients with a serious kidney injury or chronic condition and needing dialysis.

Here’s how it works:
When a patient is admitted to HRMC and needs dialysis or kidney evaluation, the hospital’s specially trained nursing team sets up a virtual consultation with a nephrologist through a video system. The nephrologist can see the patient, review lab results, talk with nurses, and guide treatment — all while the patient stays right in their hospital room.

In some cases, HRMC’s nursing team provides inpatient dialysis treatment on-site using advanced dialysis machines, while the nephrologist monitors progress remotely and adjusts treatment as needed.

High-Tech Meets High-Touch Care

While the technology is impressive, the real benefit is human: keeping patients close to home, near their support systems, and under the care of people they already know and trust.

“This partnership is about access and compassion,” said Candice R. Smith, MSN, RHCNOC, CCRN, RACR, chief executive officer of Deaf Smith County Hospital District. “In the past, a patient who needed inpatient dialysis had to be transferred to another facility hours away. Now, they can stay here in their own community, surrounded by family and familiar faces. That kind of care continuity makes a tremendous difference in both recovery and peace of mind.”

By eliminating the need for transfer to another hospital, HRMC’s tele-Nephrology program reduces stress on patients — and helps families stay more involved in their loved one’s care.

How HRMC’s Nursing Team Makes It Possible

HRMC’s nursing staff plays a crucial role in making tele-Nephrology work seamlessly.

“Our nurses have stepped up in remarkable ways,” said Kay Gudgell, CNO, MSN, RN. “Several of our nurses have prior dialysis experience, and we’ve provided additional specialized training so they can safely administer inpatient dialysis here. They’re not just running the equipment — they’re providing attentive, compassionate care while collaborating directly with the nephrologist via telemedicine.”

A Step Forward for Rural Healthcare

By partnering with experienced nephrologists via telemedicine, HRMC ensures that local patients receive the same level of clinical expertise they’d find in a large urban hospital — with the added benefit of small-town care.

“This is what innovation looks like in a rural setting,” added Smith. “It’s about using technology to bridge distance while keeping the heart of care right here at home.”

Learn More

HRMC’s nephrology and dialysis services are available for hospitalized patients with kidney disease or end-stage renal disease who need dialysis treatment during their stay. We do not offer dialysis to first-time dialysis patients.

To learn more about the program and how HRMC is expanding access to specialty care in Hereford, visit dschd.org/our-services/nephrology.