A north-east MP has welcomed the roll out of a bold new initiative for kidney dialysis patients in the region.
Seamus Logan, the MP for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, has hailed NHS Grampian’s new initiative to provide the option of at home dialysis treatment for patients across the region.
NHS Grampian’s new home dialysis scheme has been welcomed by Aberdeenshire North and Moray East MP Seamus Logan (inset).
Following a successful pilot for home haemodialysis for four patients, NHS Grampian are hoping to make it possible for 20 more this year. With education and training support as well as setting up an area of people’s homes for the installation of specialist equipment, dialysis at home can provide patients with more freedom and flexibility in their lives.
Mr Logan said: “This is such positive step forward for NHS Grampian and for dialysis patients’ quality of life.
“Giving people the opportunity to treat their kidneys in the comfort of their own homes will be life changing for many patients who have their care in control and understand when treatment works well for them and for how often they need to dialyse each week.
“This transformative initiative has taken the last few years to deliver as NHS Grampian developed the framework to make it work well for patients. Thanks to their diligence and hard work, many more patients in the Grampian area will have this option to treat themselves at home.
“I wish them well in this important endeavour and applaud the efforts of the NHS Grampian Charity who have funded the purchase of specialist equipment through donations and have been an integral part of getting this scheme off the ground.”
Haemodialysis ‘cleans’ the blood when a person’s kidneys are not working properly by running the blood through a machine filter to remove toxins and excess fluid. Across NHS Grampian, around 250 people are supported with specialist facilities to perform this haemodialysis.
In the past, people would need to attend a dialysis unit three times a week for around four hours at a time, commuting from their homes at some distance from this unit. Treatment at home will cut out this time-consuming commute, allowing patients more flexibility in their lives. A clinical nursing team will be on hand to provide valuable support through dedicated phone lines, video calls and at home visits for those choosing this option.
The set up involves a period of education and training plus converting an area within people’s homes so specialist equipment can be installed before treatment can begin.
Service Manager Scott Arnot explained: “While having this treatment at home isn’t suitable for everyone – and we will always respect individual wishes and circumstances – it can enable patients to enjoy a more normal and fulfilling lifestyle while reclaiming valuable time to spend with friends and family.”
Work to deliver this new dialysis at home option for patients has been ongoing for the last few years, as colleagues have worked through the development of a framework to ensure it is safe and well supported. NHS Grampian is working alongside specialist contractors on the conversions and installations.
Mr Scott added: “We managed to deliver the service for four patients as we worked through this test of change, and we’re now hoping to make it possible for 20 more during the next year.
“There are huge benefits for patients who have their care in their control and can decide when treatment works best for them and whether to dialyse more frequently for shorter periods. Our clinical nursing team will always be at the end of a phone, via video call and will also make routine visits.”