News
December 2025 | Staff Profiles, Uncategorized
Have you considered Peritoneal Dialysis Community Care (PDCC) for your patient? If you have a patient who may be suitable for Peritoneal Dialysis or may need a little extra support to get started or stay on the modality, PDCC may be the right choice.
Whether patients require a little extra care to build confidence with Peritoneal Dialysis or require ongoing, comprehensive support, PDCC is here to help—working alongside the Kidney Health Team to provide complete, well-rounded care that empowers patients to thrive at home.
PDCC: Helping PD patients Thrive with In-Home Care and Guidance
The program is designed to support patients who may be frail, in need of physical assistance, or who would benefit from reinforcement of their PD training, helping them successfully manage their dialysis at home. PDCC offers flexible scheduling with visits available several days per week and up to two visits per day for those requiring additional support. The program currently serves patients living within the city limits, including St. Norbert and East St. Paul. Services provided through PDCC include daily vital sign checks and fluid assessments, assistance with setting up or stripping the night cycler, dialysis fluid selection, connecting and disconnecting to the night cycler, Eprex injections, administration of intraperitoneal medications such as antibiotics with a twin bag exchange, simple wound care, Vantive ordering, ascites drains, and central line flushes and dressing changes.
Meet the dedicated PDCC Team
CRN Amanda Birtwhistle

I recently transitioned into the CRN role after spending 11 years as a community nurse within our Peritoneal Dialysis program Prior to PDCC I spent 8 years in the hemodialysis unit at SOGH. This program has been such a meaningful part of my nursing journey, and stepping into this new position has only deepened my appreciation for the incredible work we do together. I have always loved the connection we build with our patients—the trust, the teaching, the small moments that make a big difference in their care. Being able to support our community nurses and help strengthen the patient experience from a leadership role is truly an honor. Every day I’m reminded of how dedicated, compassionate, and skilled our team is, and I’m grateful to be part of it. I’m excited for what we will accomplish together as we continue to grow, support our patients, and uphold the values that make this program so special.
Keri

The community nursing team includes Keri, one of the original members of our Community Peritoneal Dialysis team and will be celebrating 12 years with the program this spring. From the very beginning, she has played an important role in shaping the program into what it is today. Her depth of experience, steady presence, and ongoing commitment to high-quality patient care make her an invaluable part of our team. We’re grateful for all she has contributed — and continues to bring — to our community.
Brian Sawatzky – PDCC Manager Health Services

The Peritoneal Dialysis Community Care program is a strong team of nurses who are essential in supporting high-quality peritoneal dialysis care in the comfort of home while maintaining independence and reducing reliance on in-centre treatments. We remain committed to strengthening this service as demand grows. Our focus continues to be on patient-centred care, staff education, and ongoing collaboration with healthcare partners across the province to ensure that assisted peritoneal dialysis remains a sustainable and accessible option for those who need it.
Chastity

Chastity has been a valued member of our Community Peritoneal Dialysis team for the past 10 years. With a decade of experience, she brings steady expertise, strong clinical knowledge, and a genuine commitment to patient care. We’re grateful for her ongoing dedication and the support she provides to both our patients and the team.
We are pleased to have 3 new additions to the PDCC team Paulina, Edin, and Shawna—who bring fresh energy and commitment to patient care.
Pauline

We are pleased to introduce Paulina as one of the newest members of the PDCC team who started in January 2025. Paulina brings 7 years of nursing experience including 1 year working in Hemodialysis at HSC. Her background in renal care, combined with her strong clinical skills make her a valuable addition to our program.
Eden
We are excited to welcome Edin, who joined our program in March 2025. Edin joins us with 8 years of nursing experience most of which were spent on the Medicine ward at SOGH. Her strong clinical background and supportive approach make her a wonderful addition to our program.
Shawna
We are pleased to welcome Shawna to the PDCC team, who joined us in October 2025. With 17 years of renal experience she brings a wealth of knowledge and skill. We are excited to have her as a part of our team.
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