The purpose-built unit, which opened on 15 December 2015, is able to accommodate more dialysis patients and delivered almost 22,000 sessions in their first year.
Dr Nicholas Pritchard, clinical director of renal medicine, said: “We’re celebrating our first birthday with everyone involved in dialysis, from our patients and their families to all the team, who have achieved some outstanding results in the first year.
“We have 140 patients at the centre doing three sessions a week of dialysis each, which totals 420 sessions a week and around 21,840 sessions a year.
“We are changing the face of dialysis and providing a better service for our patients with this new unit and home dialysis. We have also been working closely with the Fitzwilliam and University of Cambridge Museums to provide unique opportunities for our dialysis patients to enjoy and explore the Museums’ collections – including handling special pieces during treatment times.
“The needs of patients and staff are at the forefront of everything we do and we are delighted with our results so far.”
The centre offers patient education sessions for patients on a monthly basis, renal clinics each week and there is a training area and facilities for home therapies staff to teach patients how to dialyse themselves in their home environment.
Dr Pritchard added: “Starting dialysis and the time spent attending hospital has a huge impact on our patients’ lives and now we have other options available with home dialysis.
“Not all patients are suitable, but where possible I’d recommend it not only for the clinical benefits and the improved quality of life, but because there are indications those patients may have better outcomes.”
Celebrating the birthday at the dialysis unit, the Mayor of Cambridge, Jeremy Benstead, said: “The Cambridge Dialysis Centre is a great advantage to its many users - the sheer number of people that it has helped in its first year shows what a benefit it is to have this specially equipped centre here in Cambridge.”
Jacqui Strawbridge, Access and Outreach Officer at the Fitzwilliam Museum said: “It is fantastic to continue the long-standing arrangements we have with Addenbrooke’s, by developing this new venture where we have the chance to share some of our favourite objects and artworks outside the walls of the Museums.”
The centre accommodates more dialysis patients with 36 chairs, 11 more than the unit currently had, including four side rooms with en-suite facilities.
Image: L-R: Charmaine Lee; Lauren Burrows; the Mayor of Cambridge, Jeremy Benstead; Nova Quian, Claire Joyce, Lorraine Juggins (front); Gill Chumbley (back); and Dr Nicholas Pritchard
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Contacts:
CUH Corporate Communications
Communications Department, Box 146
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ
Tel: 01223 274433
Email: [email protected]
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