Renal Patients, a leading consultant and local MP mark the first anniversary of the Baxter Renal Education Centre (BREC) and lend their support to, Dialysis Options, a new campaign that promotes the availability of home based dialysis treatment for all kidney patients where clinically appropriate, irrespective of age, background or gender.

In July, BREC celebrated it's first birthday with an event led by Dr Jonathan Kwan, Consultant Nephrologist at St Helier hospital. The event highlighted the reality of living with dialysis and showcased the flexibility of being able to perform dialysis in the home. It was attended by Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond as well as local kidney groups, local media and former BREC patients.

The centre enables kidney failure patients to learn how to perform Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) in a home from home environment and has so far trained over 200 kidney failure patients. BREC is based in Kew, West London, and is the only centre of its kind in the UK. It allows a relative or friend to stay with the patient whilst they are trained, which adds to the learning experience making it more relaxed and friendly.

 

CURRENT SITUATION IN THE UK

 

Patients suffering from Established Renal Failure have three options to choose from when faced with making their treatment choice: transplant, hospital-based dialysis or home-based dialysis.

41,776 people in the UK now receive some form of Renal Replacement Therapy according to the most recent Renal Registry Report. But the Registry also reveals that just 22% of dialysis patients now receive their treatment at home with Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), and the discrepancy widens depending on your age or even where you live.

Over 65's account for nearly half of all patients currently on dialysis but they are only half as likely as younger patients (18% to 36%) to access a home based treatment such as PD. A recent survey of kidney patients highlighted the fact that of those interviewed who were over the age of 60 years, 63% said that they would prefer a home based treatment where medically appropriate.

PD uses a natural membrane in the abdominal lining (peritoneal membrane) to filter the blood. Dialysis fluid flows into the peritoneal cavity through a small, soft plastic catheter which has been surgically inserted in the abdomen. Fluid and waste cross the peritoneal membrane into the dialysis fluid, which is then drained from the abdomen and exchanged with fresh fluid.

 

DOREEN'S STORY

 

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes over 20 years ago now and I have learned to live with my condition very well. I like to keep active and enjoy life to the full so I was apprehensive when my consultant at the Royal Free hospital in London first spoke to me about the possibility of having to eventually have dialysis treatment due to my failing kidneys.

 

After I learned about dialysis and looked at all the options open to me, I decided that a hospital based treatment would restrict my lifestyle greatly, and liked the sound of a home-based treatment instead.

 

 

My dialysis
Regular blood tests were showing that my kidneys were going into renal failure and in March 2007 I was told that my kidney function was so low I would have to start dialysis. I chose to go onto Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), which is a home-based treatment that is performed at night whilst I sleep.

All of the equipment I need is delivered straight to my door. The Baxter delivery team bring it in so I don't have to do any lifting.

Training
I attended the Baxter Renal Education Centre in West London for my training. The centre is a purpose built and specially designed self-contained residential unit. I was taught to perform peritoneal dialysis (PD), in a home from home environment. My training took four days and my husband was able to come with me and learn the ropes too. The staff were brilliant and the nurses explained everything to us and took me through each step at my own pace.

Living with Dialysis
I like the fact that my dialysis takes place at night time. I have four children and nine grandchildren who take up a lot of my time. I can still visit my family and even spend the night by simply taking my dialysis machine with me. I have to plan ahead but at least I can get on with my life.

The Future
I am looking forward to my 55th wedding anniversary soon. One of my daughters is organising a meal in London for us all, which will be great fun. I have even been told by my nurse that I can go to Australia to see my son if I like, all it would need is a bit of extra planning.

NOTES:
" Baxter Healthcare: Dialysis Options is supported by Baxter Healthcare Ltd, a globally diversified healthcare company that assists healthcare professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, haemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and bio-technology to make a meaningful difference in patient's lives.

 

 

SEE ALSO

Dialysis options - HERE

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