Hereford Regional Medical Center is expanding its specialty services, making inpatient nephrology and dialysis available for patients with kidney injuries, kidney failure, or chronic kidney disease. This includes patients hospitalized with non-kidney conditions, such diabetes, who also have a kidney condition, and patients with complications from chronic kidney conditions.

The addition of inpatient nephrology marks a major advancement in HRMC’s mission to deliver comprehensive, specialty healthcare close to home.

The new nephrology program combines state-of-the-art dialysis technology with 24/7 access to board-certified nephrologists through HRMC’s partnership with TeleNeph, LLC. The partnership provides direct, virtual access to two dedicated nephrologists who work closely with HRMC’s clinical team to guide inpatient dialysis care and treatment planning.

“Having access to nephrologists means our patients no longer have to be transferred to larger hospitals when they need dialysis during an inpatient stay,” said Kay Gudgell, CNO, MSN, RN. “Our nursing team is fully trained and equipped to manage inpatient dialysis safely and effectively. With TeleNeph’s support, we can provide the same level of specialty care you’d expect at a major medical center — right here in Hereford.”

The program uses modern, portable Tablo Hemodialysis Systems, designed to streamline treatment and integrate seamlessly with telemedicine technology. This allows HRMC’s nursing staff to administer dialysis while nephrologists remotely monitor progress, review results, and provide consultation in real time.

“This is an investment in the well-being of our patients and our community,” said Candice R. Smith, MSN, RHCNOC, CCRN, RACR, chief executive officer of Deaf Smith County Hospital District. “When patients can stay close to home, they recover faster, have better support from their loved ones, and experience less disruption to their lives. This service allows us to provide complete, compassionate care right here in Hereford.”

The HRMC nephrology program reflects the hospital’s forward-thinking approach to healthcare innovation. By leveraging telemedicine and advanced technology, HRMC continues to expand the range of specialty services available to its patients — ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care is never out of reach.