LISTEN - Western Trust educates renal patients on home dialysis

by Gráinne Connolly

The Western Trust is educating people in the area on home dialysis, which can help to improve a patient's quality of life. 

It's hosting renal roadshows in the Trust area, to demonstrate how the process works. 

Haemodialysis involves diverting blood into an external machine, where it's filtered before being returned to the body.

Most people who require dialysis treatment must travel to hospital to attend three appointments every week, for around four hours on each occasion.

However, some patients who are considered suitable are able to self-dialyse at home and can be provided with all the necessary equipment, training and ongoing support to ensure they don’t have to travel to and from hospital several times a week for treatment, which can be very stressful for both the patient and their families.

Carmel Kilpatrick, the Trust's roadshow manager told Q Radio, home dialysis has many benefits, including more time at home and it increases their freedom: 

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the upcoming renal roadshow.

One has already taken place in Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex; while another will be held in the Everglades Hotel in Derry/Londonderry on Sunday 10th of June at 11am-4pm. 

Experts will be on hand to answer any questions, and patients will have an opportunity to speak to those already dialysing at home.