Write a commentThe Renal Unit at Daisy Hill Hospital opened its doors today, 5 June, for patients, carers, family members or anyone interested in finding out more about Home Dialysis. The Home Therapies Roadshow was organised by Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Renal Team along with Kidney Care UK.
One in eight people across the UK will develop a chronic kidney disease and for many this can mean years of dialysis while they wait on a transplant.There are almost 30,000 people on dialysis in the UK.
The Renal Team at Daisy Hill supports up to 104 patients from across Armagh, Dunnganon, Craigavon, Banbridge, Newry and Mourne who come to the unit for haemodialysis and an additional 28 who dialyse at home.
Sr Fiona Owens, Renal Home Therapies Manager for Trust says: “Being diagnosed with kidney disease and adapting to life on dialysis is life changing for patients. Most of our patients who come into the unit for dialysis attend three days a week for up to four hours each time. Home dialysis definitely offers a much better quality of life and greater freedom for suitable patients, reducing the need to travel and allowing them to dialyse in the comfort of their own home. You can also have dialysis more often at home which offers much greater health benefits and increases your life expectancy, so we are very keen on encouraging more of our patients to choose this option.
Home dialysis patients and their families receive training, advice and ongoing support from the Renal Home Therapies team.
Carmel Anderson who uses Peritoneal Dialysis at home says: “I have been using dialysis at home for the past five years. I dialyse seven nights a week for eight hours, which is great by saving me the need to trek to the hospital. I managed on my own for four years and in the past year I have needed a bit of extra support from the home care team who come every day to set me up for the night. I then can put myself onto the machine at whatever time I want to go to bed and then take myself off again in the morning.”
Donal Lappin who developed kidney failure five years ago said: “After a period of peritoneal dialysis at home each night, it failed to work and I had to attend the renal unit for haemodialysis three times a week which didn’t really suit my work life. So I decided to go for six week’s training to use haemodialysis at home which suits my lifestyle more – I can do it anytime I want to at home and go on with my normal business.”
Fiona continues: “Not every patient will be suitable for home dialysis however we would like those patients who are suitable to feel well informed enough to make this choice. We hope that this event helped to raise awareness of the benefits of home dialysis for patients, carers and their families, by showing them just how it works.”
The Renal Unit is celebrating 20 years since it opened in 1998.To mark the occasion, the team is hosting a service of remembrance and thanksgiving on Sunday 17th June 2018 from 3pm to 4.40pm in Newry Cathedral. Anyone including patients and families both past and present, interested in celebrating with the team is welcome to attend this interfaith event, followed by a reception at the Canal Court Hotel.
RSVP by Friday 8th June to Tel: 028 3756 2704 (leave a message) or Email: Kay.donegan@southerntrust.hscni.net
To find out more about renal home therapies Email: Fiona.owens@southerntrust.hscni.net or get more information on kidney disease at www.kidneycareuk.org
