Following the opening of the newly expanded Renal unit at West Cumberland Hospital (WCH) in Whitehaven, the team is now holding an open day to showcase their work on Friday 14 September 2018.

Since the expanded unit has opened, the team is now able to treat more people closer to home in West Cumbria. In addition, a new training room for home haemodialysis is allowing the team to further develop self-care dialysis which is something they would like to highlight at the event later this week. The team will also be demonstrating how to set up a dialysis machine on the day.

Dr Andrew Bow, clinical director for Renal services said: “Nationally, demand for dialysis services is growing at six per cent per annum. We are working to ensure we are providing the best range of services for our dialysis patients and we will be opening our doors on Friday to patients, their family and friends or people interested in the service to come and hear more about the work we are doing.

“We are currently working to provide more home haemodialysis care, to further free up capacity for those who require their dialysis in a hospital setting. This offers many benefits to patients who are suitable to undertake their treatment at home. The Home Therapies team currently provide peritoneal dialysis and plan to expand the service to allow patients the additional option of home haemodialysis, avoiding regular trips to the hospital for their treatment.

“If you have been newly diagnosed with a kidney condition, we would encourage you to pop in on Friday to find out more about we do for our patients and to ask any questions you may have.”

The open day will run in the Renal Unit which is located in the previous maternity ward at WCH from 10.00am-4.00pm – all welcome.