Detecting kidney issues early gives you the best chance to prevent serious complications. Because kidney disease often develops quietly, regular screening is crucial – particularly if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history. Doctors recommend that people with these risk factors get a kidney health check at least once a year. This routine screening usually includes:

• A simple blood test to check your creatinine levels and estimate your kidney filtration rate (GFR). This shows how well your kidneys are cleaning your blood.
• A urine test to look for protein or blood in the urine. Healthy kidneys should not leak protein, so protein in your urine can be an early sign of kidney trouble.
• Blood pressure measurement: Since high blood pressure both causes and results from kidney issues, monitoring your BP is part of a kidney health assessment.

These tests are quick and painless, and they can catch problems long before you feel sick. Early detection allows for early intervention – meaning you can start treatments or lifestyle changes to slow down or stop the progression of kidney disease. For example, if caught early, kidney damage from diabetes or hypertension can often be managed with medications, diet, and exercise, preventing further harm.

Remember: Even if you feel fine, it’s worth getting screened if you’re at risk. Many people in Soshanguve are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure or diabetes, which in turn can quietly damage the kidneys. A yearly “kidney check-up” – just like you’d get your eyes or teeth checked – can give you peace of mind. And if something is starting to go wrong, you can address it before it affects your daily life.

Where can you get screened? Botshilu Private Hospital offers convenient kidney health screenings for our community, and we encourage you to also discuss kidney testing with your local doctor or clinic. The tests can be done as part of a routine health exam. Early detection saves lives, so take advantage of Kidney Awareness Week to schedule a screening if you haven’t had one recently

Botshilu Private Hospital is proud to be part of the Soshanguve community, and we’re here to support you in maintaining healthy kidneys. We offer comprehensive kidney care services – from prevention and early detection to treatment and ongoing support – all under one roof. Our hospital’s Renal Unit is equipped with modern technology and a compassionate team dedicated to kidney health. In fact, our Dialysis & Renal Department (run in partnership with Fresenius Medical Care) provides specialized care for patients with chronic kidney disease, with a strong track record of excellent patient outcomes. Below are some of the key kidney-related services available at Botshilu:

• Kidney Health Screenings: You can get your kidney function tested at Botshilu easily. We do blood and urine tests to check how well your kidneys are working, and we’ll explain the results in plain language. Screening is available to anyone – whether you have symptoms or just want peace of mind. Early detection is our goal, and our staff will help you with advice on keeping your kidneys healthy.
• Nephrologist Consultations: We have a specialist kidney doctor (Nephrologist) on our team. Dr. Adekunle Ajayi, our resident nephrologist, has extensive expertise in managing kidney-related disorders. By appointment, you can consult with a kidney specialist who will evaluate any kidney issues, recommend treatments, and coordinate your care. Having a nephrologist right here in Soshanguve means you don’t have to travel far for expert kidney care – we bring world-class care to your community.
• Dialysis Services: For patients whose kidneys aren’t functioning well enough on their own, our Dialysis and Renal Care Unit provides life-sustaining dialysis treatment. We offer a state-of-the-art dialysis unit with both chronic dialysis (for long-term patients) and acute dialysis for short-term needs. Our unit is managed in collaboration with leading dialysis professionals, ensuring you receive the best possible care close to home. If you are currently on dialysis at another center but live in or near Soshanguve, you can transfer your dialysis treatments to Botshilu. We strive to make the transition seamless – handling the paperwork and orientation – so you can receive treatment in a comfortable setting near your family. Patients at our dialysis center benefit from individualized attention, quality machines, and a friendly environment. We know dialysis can be challenging, so we do everything we can to support our patients and improve their quality of life.

Beyond these services, Botshilu Private Hospital also provides patient education and support for kidney conditions. Whether you need nutritional counseling for kidney-friendly diets, help with managing diabetes or blood pressure, or information about transplant referrals, we are here to guide you. Our multidisciplinary team (doctors, nurses, dietitians, and social workers) works together to care for each patient as a whole person, not just a disease.