A new centre designed to transform dialysis care is now open after receiving £3.8 million in funding.
The Independent Therapies Centre at Mile End Hospital, backed by funding from Barts Charity, was officially opened on July 24.
It includes six home haemodialysis training stations, five shared care haemodialysis stations, enhanced peritoneal dialysis training, and five dedicated spaces for young adults.
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Suzanne Forbes, kidney consultant and clinical lead for dialysis at Barts Health, said: "For people with end-stage kidney disease, dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that is demanding and time-consuming.
"Thanks to funding from Barts Charity, the new Shadwell Independent Therapies Centre has been designed to transform the patient experience by putting independence, flexibility and personalised care at its heart."
Patient Tahmina Begum, who has benefited from the service, said: "You can shine here and I’m more comfortable. Being here with younger people makes me feel happy and young.
"On the ninth floor at The Royal London Hospital, it was older people. It made me feel like I was old."
The centre includes a breakout and social area where young people can relax before and after treatment.
Ms Begum said: "When you get off the machine, you get cramps, and in the break-out room there’s more freedom. The break-out room feels good."
A group of young adults helped design the space, ensuring it met their needs.
Eliza Jeurissen, who was part of the group, said: "Being involved in the process of creating the new unit was a really positive experience. There was a huge emphasis on incorporating our needs as young people and I felt that a lot of effort was put into creating this space.
"Our input was included during every step of the process and I’m very thankful to everyone involved who made sure this was not just another regular unit."
The centre is particularly important for patients unable to have home-based therapies due to housing limitations.
Fiona Miller Smith, chief executive of Barts Charity, said: "The new Renal Centre is a brilliant example of our commitment to fund projects that transform patient care and tackle health inequalities head on.
"As the first centre of its kind in the country, it demonstrates how hospitals can deliver truly patient-centred solutions by listening to their communities and responding. We’re proud to help make this vision a reality."
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