Update: 4th March 2014: The event mentioned in this post has been cancelled.
Are you surprised there is a dialysis unit in Chandler’s Ford?
Most people don’t know about it. The dialysis unit is actually located in Chandler’s Ford Industrial Estate.
On the 13th of March (Thursday), to raise awareness of kidney disease on World Kidney Day 2014, Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit will be holding a coffee morning and cake sale, from 10:00 to 14:00.
Please support the fundraising event. All the money raised will go to the Wessex Kidney Patients Association, a charity run by patients for patients.
Where is Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit?
The unit has been in School Lane in Chandler’s Ford Industrial Estate (see map) since March 2006. It is privately run by Fresenius Medical Care, working in partnership with Portsmouth Hospital Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital.
Introducing Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit
The Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit provides dialysis for a large number of local NHS patients.
Margaret Allyn, Clinic Manager of Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit told me that kidney patients need dialysis treatment 3 times a week for around 4 hours at a time. Therefore, providing treatment in state-of-the-art facilities, close to where patients live is crucial for improving their quality of life.
Margaret leads a strong, happy international team at Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit.
Margaret started working in this unit in July 2006 and became the manager in June 2012. The unit is an 18 stationed outpatient clinic with 15 staff.
“I am from Belgium, my nurses are from India, the Philippines, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, Portugal and Hungary. ”
“My secretary is English and we all fit really well together. Definitely a happy team who are passionate about their jobs.”
By Margaret Allyn, Clinic Manager of Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit
How do people benefit from Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit?
Margaret Allyn: “We currently have 80 patients who come to us 3 times per week for life saving treatment, haemodialysis. These patients are ranged between from people in their twenties to people in their far eighties.”
“They dialyse for an average of 4 hours each session. They either come on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday or a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We are closed on Sundays. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we organise a twilight session for patients who are still employed.”
This is one of the 18 stations in Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit with dialysis chair, patient trolley and dialysis machine.
The kidney transplant waiting list
Margaret Allyn: “Patients who are suitable are on the kidney transplant waiting list. While they are waiting, we try to keep them as well as possible by reviewing and optimising their treatment plans, but this we do for all our patients anyway.”
“The dialysis unit was started so patients can be closer to their homes, rather than having to travel 3 times per week to Cosham, Queen Alexandra Hospital. Because they spend so much time here, our patients become rather attached to the clinic, their fellow patients and the staff (and vice versa), especially the elderly and single patients. When patients are called for a transplant, it is always a joyous time for them and us.”
“Most patients come back to us afterwards to show us how well they are doing or just to say hello.”
Making Dialysis Unit a happy place
Margaret Allyn: “When a patient dies, it is always a very sad time as we have known them for a long time and shared good times and bad times with them.”
“We try to make the unit a happy place to be and try and celebrate all the patients’ birthdays with banners, balloons and a sing-song.”
How can we help you with World Kidney Day on 13th March?
Margaret Allyn: “This year will be our third time taking part. Last year the patients commented that they really liked it. This year, we are trying to make it an even bigger event.”
“Last year we also did a raffle on top of the coffee morning and bake sale, but it is proving harder and harder to get prizes for the raffle. If anyone is willing to help, then that would be very much appreciated.”
Update: 4th March 2014: The event has been cancelled.
Fundraising Date: Thursday 13th March 2014, 10:00 to 14:00
Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit are holding a fundraising coffee morning and cake sale. Please bring along family and friends to show your support for World Kidney Day 2014.
“We welcome donations of raffle prizes.”
Venue: Chandler’s Ford Dialysis Unit, Unit A, Ground Floor, York House, School Lane, Chandler’s Ford SO53 4DG (See map.)
Telephone: 023 8027 9279
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I was a patient at Chandler’s Ford in 2008
Although very ill the atmosphere was indeed always happy
The staff were dedicated and amazing
Since my transplant my life has changed dramatically