A NEW dialysis unit for patients has opened at York Hospital.

The three haemodialysis stations have been opened in a unit next to the wards to provide dialysis for inpatients with renal failure.

The new acute dialysis unit means patients can have treatment close to their ward while lessening the demand for the existing haemodialysis unit, which is used by outpatients.

David Border, clinical lead for renal medicine, said: “Inpatients will now be treated in a specialist unit closer to the medical wards and will no longer have to travel the length of the hospital for dialysis on the renal unit, as was the case previously. This will not only have a positive effect on inpatients. but also for those who dialyse on the main unit.”

The unit will initially provide space for three patients, expanding to four in the future.