[W]ork is currently underway to expand the Renal Dialysis Unit at West Cumberland Hospital (WCH) in Whitehaven.
Nationally, demand for dialysis services is growing at six per cent per annum. This trend has been recognised by North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust and the unit at WCH will be expanded from seven treatment spaces to 11, with minimum disruption and the aim of completion within two-three months. The extra four spaces will allow a further sixteen people to receive their dialysis treatment in WCH. The expansion, which will be located adjacent to the current unit in the previous maternity ward, will also provide a training room for home haemodialysis to build on the work on self-care dialysis which is ongoing within the unit.
Home haemodialysis 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 treatment, and freeing up capacity for those who require their dialysis in a hospital setting.
Commenting on the news, Dr Andrew Bow, clinical director for renal services, said: “In order to keep up with the growing demand for renal dialysis services, we have been working on plans to expand our unit at West Cumberland Hospital, meaning more people can be treated locally in West Cumbria, avoiding frequent trips to Carlisle for treatment. We appreciate the importance of keeping travel time down for patients attending for regular treatment.
“I am delighted that the expansion is now underway with the added benefit of a purpose- built training room for home haemodialysis. We are committed to offering our patients as much choice and flexibility as possible, and therefore we hope they welcome the news of the development of the home service as well as the expansion of the unit in Whitehaven.”
