Leicester’s new dialysis unit is helping to support patients to have dialysis treatment in the comfort of their own homes
A new state-of-the-art dialysis unit, which opened earlier this year, is helping patients to independently receive dialysis treatment at home.
Leicester South Dialysis Unit is located at Genesis Park in South Wigston and replaced the unit at Leicester General Hospital in August 2024. Since opening, the unit has been helping around 180 people to have dialysis treatment three times a week.
The dedicated team of staff also support more than 80 patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to have dialysis independently at home. Training facilities at the new unit will help more patients to take up this offer if they wish.
Denis Baker, 72, from Countesthorpe has recently been trained by the team to do dialysis at home. He said: “I spend four hours, three times a week on dialysis so being able to do it at home has been a complete revolution. Dialysis takes over your life, especially when you have to go into a unit. You plan your whole days and weeks around it but at home, I can do it at a time that suits me surrounded by my home comforts. This training has given me my life back.”
Dialysis removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. It filters out unwanted substances by diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned.
Mel Charteris, Matron at Leicester Dialysis Unit and Renal Community team, said: “We recognise every individual as unique, and we aim to empower people requiring renal replacement therapy by providing choice and individualised care.
“Our new dialysis unit offers a range of dialysis options, including bespoke training for patients wishing to participate in shared-care or self-care as well as comprehensive training and support for those wishing to do their renal dialysis at home. This enables patients to choose what best fits their lifestyle and preferences.
“Thanks to the spacious new unit, there is now a dedicated area which gives ample space to provide training and education for patients as well the option to ‘self-care’ within the unit with the knowledge that nursing teams are nearby.”
The new facility has 35 dialysis stations and a capacity to increase to 49 stations as demand rises. The unit also has consultation rooms, an isolation suite comprising nine rooms with ensuite facilities, and a home dialysis training suite – all fitted out with the latest technology.
Patients receiving dialysis at home are supported by the Renal Community Team who work flexibly to meet patients’ needs.
Suzi Glover, Deputy Head of Nursing (Renal), added: “Now the unit has been open for two months, it is the perfect time to reflect on just how much has been achieved in such a short space of time.
“This unit is helping to improve patients’ lives and is giving people individualised care tailored to their needs. With facilities like this, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust will continue to be leading in healthcare and trusted in communities.”