As of March 21, 2025, MGH’s main entrance on Coxwell Avenue is closed as the next phase of our redevelopment project begins. Patients and visitors can use the new temporary main entrance on Sammon Avenue between Coxwell Avenue and Knight Street. View our campus map.
#IamMGH tells the stories of our people. In celebration of Kidney Health Month (March) and World Kidney Day (March 13), meet Jocyline Gamana, Registered Nurse (RN) in the In-Centre Hemodialysis Unit at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).
“I am a Vascular Access Nurse in the In-Centre Hemodialysis Unit at MGH, and I have worked at the hospital for 39 years. I started my pre-graduate specialty in paediatrics, which I loved, then moved to various specialties including surgery, urology, orthopaedics, and now nephrology. I have also taken on roles as a research assistant, an educator for students aspiring to become personal support workers at Centennial College, Scarborough Campus, and an interim Patient Care Coordinator. Being in this field for a long time, you learn to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape and show up where you're needed.
For the past 22 years, I've been involved in providing smooth and high-quality care to patients with kidney disease. This involves working with the team to ensure patients are well-prepared for haemodialysis. I also teach patients how to properly care for their haemodialysis vascular access sites; liaise with the hemodialysis vascular access team at St. Michael Hospital and coordinate urgent hemodialysis catheter insertions for new patients. I play an active role in quality improvement initiatives and data collection, especially for tracking catheter-related infections for monthly reporting.
Kidney disease urgently needs to be recognized as a global priority, as it is one of the leading causes of premature death. According to the International Society of Nephrology ((theisn.org) February 2025), "Kidney disease is the 3rd fastest-growing cause of death worldwide, and the only non-communicable disease with a rising mortality rate: It is now the 7th leading cause of death globally- in just a few years, it will be the 5th." It is important to raise awareness of this debilitating disease so we can better promote prevention, early detection, treatment and overall quality of life.
I always knew I would pursue nursing after graduating from high school. I am grateful to my parents for highlighting the importance of education and extending the passion and value of loving what you do in service to others. I have been at MGH for so long because of my deep love for serving the community and caring for patients. Nursing requires a lot of courage, humility and trust. When care is given with love, patients trust you and it makes a real difference in their lives. I am continuously learning, and I am thankful for MGH’s support in helping me obtain my degree while working full-time.
The most rewarding part of my job is the appreciation from my patients and that every day is unpredictable. There are always new challenges, but that's what makes it meaningful. Every patient that comes to MGH has unique needs, and it’s fulfilling to provide care that is tailored to those needs. I’m committed to ensuring every patient receives the best care possible.”
The Renal Program at MGH offers comprehensive renal disease care and services for the East Toronto community. We care for patients in our Multi-Disciplinary Kidney Care Clinic, Home Peritoneal Dialysis Clinic and in our In-Centre Hemodialysis Unit. Our team of doctors (nephrologists), nurses, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists and clerical and support staff work with patients, their families, care providers and community links to help patients manage their renal conditions. Admission into MGH’s Renal program requires a referral. Please speak with your family physician or healthcare provider if you would like to be referred to this program.
To learn more about the Renal Program at MGH, visit our Nephrology (Renal) Kidney Care webpage.
