Renal patients benefit from improved facilities at Sunderland Royal and Durham Treatment Centre

Thousands of Renal patients across Sunderland and the surrounding areas are benefitting from new and improved facilities thanks to a major investment from City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

The Trust has just refurbished its renal unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital and moved it back from its temporary base in ward B28, as well as moving its satellite renal services from University Hospital of North Durham to its brand new Durham Treatment Centre in Belmont.

These developments will offer patients access to treatment in new facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. They will also have access to training to allow them to dialyse themselves within the units or in the comfort of their own home.

At Sunderland Royal, the renal unit has an improved layout which now includes up to 40 dialysis stations, updated outpatient clinic areas and a new water treatment plant which will future proof the unit for many years to come and allow the unit to be able to expand the services it can offer patients for years to come. The TV and audio systems have also been upgraded to enhance patient experience and provide the option of entertainment for patients whilst they undergo their treatment.

At the Durham Treatment Centre there are 16 dialysis stations and the facility to support patients who want to continue their treatment in their own home.

There are around 650 renal patients seen at the Trust every week, but with dialysis numbers increasing by around 7% each year this is set to rise.

Rob Parnaby, Directorate Manager for Medical Specialities, said: “Demand for renal services is increasing year on year and we need to ensure that we can provide the highest quality care to all of our patients and facilities that will be fit for purpose for years to come. Our units at Sunderland Royal and Durham Treatment Centre have been designed in collaboration with patients. The emphasis is on improving patient flow, environment and the experience they have when they receive their care with us.”