The Peritoneal Dialysis Unit provides comprehensive community based care of peritoneal dialysis patients from tenckoff insertion* through to home training and ongoing support. Peritoneal dialysis is suitable for a variety of patients who want control over their treatment, and who want to be based in their own homes.
* A tenckoff is the name we use to refer to the peritoneal dialysis catheter. It is a small tube that is inserted into the stomach through to the peritoneal cavity space. This space contains the bowel and other abdominal organs. The lining of this cavity acts as a membrane to allow excess fluid and waste products to move from the blood to the dialysis fluid which is inserted into the space via the tube.
The Unit works in 3 teams covering different geographical areas for community based care.
A Peritoneal Dialysis clinic is run weekly to provide medical support and reviews, and a nurse-led outreach clinic is run monthly in Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr.
The Home Haemodialysis team provides training, education and support to individuals requiring haemodialysis, giving them the freedom to dialyse in their own home, at a time convenient for them, enabling them to take charge of their time and health.
Before training begins, one of the team will visit to discuss this option with the individual and their family, and discuss how the programme will work for them.
Once training begins, education is given on the care and use of their dialysis access, use of the dialysis machine, troubleshooting and all relevant aspects of renal failure. Ongoing support is provided by nurses, technicians and administration staff.
The programme is open to all those who have adequate dialysis access, whether it be a graft, fistula or permacath, and who have a carer available who can be present and / or assist during the dialysis sessions.
Home haemodialysis puts the individual in charge of their treatment and health. The programme combines the convenience of dialysing at home, thus eliminating the need to travel to a unit three times a week, with the flexibility of a dialysis regime tailored to individual lifestyles and health needs.
If you would like to find out more please contact us on the numbers below.
Miss Claire Main - Acting Home Dialysis Manager
Tel: 029 2074 5404 (Monday to Friday)
Tel: 07966 088465 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
Mrs Michelle Haytack – Home Dialysis Administrator
Ms Mitzi Fairbrother – Home Dialysis Administrator
Tel: 029 2074 8457 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)
Dialysis Technical Services comprises a team of technical officers who aim to provide a quality service in support of your dialysis equipment at home. The team also provides support for dialysis equipment throughout the UHB and other external sources within the catchment area.