James Marsh, Clinical Director for Renal Services (second left), Samantha Jones (third left), Kay Sonneborn (second right) and Paul Burstow MP (right) with dialysis patient Marilyn West on one of the brand new dialysis machines.
16 February 2010
The MP for Sutton and Cheam, the Chairman of NHS Sutton and Merton, and the Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust joined forces recently (10 February) to officially open a brand new dialysis centre in the heart of Sutton.
Paul Burstow MP, Kay Sonneborn and Samantha Jones unveiled a plaque at a joint celebration for patients, carers and staff.
The centre, which is just off Sutton High Street, means that patients with renal (kidney) disease are now able to dialyse even closer to their homes.
Samantha Jones, Trust Chief Executive, said: "Patients who require dialysis need lengthy sessions three times per week. Purpose-built, state-of-the-art centres like this reduce travelling time, are more convenient and provide a welcoming environment for patients without them having to come to hospital."
Paul Burstow MP said: "The first word that springs to mind when you look around the centre is 'wow!'. This is a fantastic unit for local residents who need this type of treatment.
From left: Samantha Jones, James Marsh, Paul Burstow MP and Kay Sonneborn next to the inaugural plaque.
"It's a small, dedicated unit in the centre of town and is a totally different experience to having to go into hospital. I am absolutely delighted, and would like to thank everyone who has been involved in setting it up."
Kay Sonneborn, Chairman of NHS Sutton and Merton, said: "The important thing to remember, is that we're opening this centre today because patients asked for it.
"It forms part of our plans to move care nearer to where people live, and to save people from travelling to hospital unless they need to."
The centre has 24 individual dialysis stations, all of which come with fully adjustable electronic chairs and their own flat screen TV and Freeview box, so patients can watch their favourite programmes - or listen to digital radio - in great comfort. It has the capacity to offer ongoing dialysis for up to 144 patients.
The unit is split over two levels, with the ground floor including eight single rooms, all of which come with their own en-suite facilities. These rooms can be used for patients who have infections, for instance, the flu - helping to prevent it spreading to other patients.
Meet the team: The event offered staff who run the service a chance to celebrate its official opening
Also present at the opening was David Spensley, the Chair of the St Helier and Surrey Kidney Patients' Association. David said: "It's a wonderful, modern, dialysis centre. The dialysis machines are state-of-the-art, allowing patients gentler treatment and less recovery time.
"When you're having four to five hours of dialysis, three times a week, it's great to have a bright and spacious environment with comfortable chairs together with your own television. Also the isolation rooms are wonderful and provide those patients with the same comforts."
