The nurse-led satellite unit is situated on the fourth floor of the Great Western Hospital. Your easiest route is through the North Entrance and use the patients lift.

Clinics are held for dialysis and transplant patients on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On these days doctors, nurses, dietitians, a pharmacist, social worker and PD nurses are available, so that patients may be seen at Swindon rather than having to travel to Oxford.

Haemodialysis Ward

The haemodialysis ward has been open since January 2003, improving patients quality of life as they do not have to travel to Oxford (a 60-mile round trip) for their dialysis.

Haemodialysis sessions are held Monday - Saturday with morning sessions starting at 7:30am and afternoon sessions at 1:30pm

The dialysis unit is divided into 2 sections, with 6 beds in each bay and 2 side rooms. There is plenty of room between the beds/chairs and if you get a window position there are lovely views across the Wiltshire countryside. Some of the sessions are more chatty than others, but the nurses will always stop and talk when they aren't too busy and time is always available to discuss any concerns.

A cup of tea and biscuits or a sandwich are supplied by the unit during dialysis sessions which normally last for 4 hours, three days a week. Patients can often eat some of their 'banned foods' on the first hour of dialysis - but check with your dietitian first! The WRVS trolley with sweets, newspapers, etc. comes round during some sessions.

Patientline television, radio and telephone services are available at every bed. The TV and radio are free to use during dialysis but you will need a Patientline card to make telephone calls. Remember to log off from your Patientline account at the end of your session and switch your television off. Mobile phones are not allowed to be used on the ward and internet access is not available to patients.

Patients are asked to bring along their own headphones for use with the Patientline unit.

From October 2008 a beautician (Nikki) has started visiting the haemodialysis ward offering free treatments (e.g. massage, manicure) for interested patients. These treatments are paid for by the Six Counties Kidney Patients Association and have proved popular for easing cramps and passing the time.

If you drive to your sessions travel costs are re-imbursed, on completion of a claim, and parking permits are provided. Patients who cannot make their own way to the unit can use NHS funded transport. This must be arranged in advance. Speak to the nurses or Carole/Sarah (unit receptionists) about these services.

At the beginning of every month blood tests are taken and results can be discussed with the nurses and/or the dietitian within a week or so. It is also possible (on registration) for you and your GP to view your results through Renal PatientView - speak to Julie (Unit Manager) about this if you are interested. Every month patients on the transplant list also have their tissue-typing blood tests.

There are currently 9 nurses and 3 healthcare assistants covering the 12 dialysis sessions each week. The unit is funded by the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS trust with additional equipment being purchased by the SKPA, so please join the Six Counties Kidney Patients Association to help the unit.

From January 2008 patients should bring in their own blankets. This will help reduce the cost of laundry for the unit. A locker or some other storage space will be provided at the unit, if necessary.