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Information for HOME haemodialysis patients

Home haemodialysis clinics during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic: Information for patients

Page updated: 21/12/2021

Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic we are reducing the number of people coming into the hospital to avoid catching or spreading the virus.  This includes appointments for regular blood tests and intravenous iron. We will continue to care for you throughout the pandemic, but we will do things differently.

Unfortunately we are currently unable to include patients in the home haemodialysis (HD) program who are reliant on family members to train to enable them to dialyse at home.

As you know, government advice can change day-to-day, so the information here and our advice may also change. We will keep you informed of any changes.

Your monthly review:

Your monthly review will continue, but we may ask you not to attend in person.

We will decide each month if:

  1. A blood test is required
  2. Intravenous iron is needed

We will contact you if a blood test or intravenous iron is needed and we will try to reduce how often you need a blood test.        

The number of people in dialysis clinic will be kept to a minimum. Telephone reviews will continue as a method of caring for you.

We are not running dialysis clinics for monthly blood tests and intravenous iron from the Self-Care Unit. Instead this service will be co-ordinated by the Renal Day Unit in the Liz Baker Renal Unit in Morriston Hospital.

Your blood tests:

If you are able to take your own blood test at home you should do so. We will provide you with a blood test request form and sample bottles. 

You, or a friend or relative can drop off the blood test at the West Renal Unit, Morriston Hospital.  

You should not come in to the Renal Unit. Instead, please ring 01792 545719 and a member of the nursing staff will come outside. We can collect samples from your car.         

We can also collect blood samples from your local hospital’s pathology department or at your GP surgery (please check with the GP regarding the time that samples are collected from the surgery so that they can processed the same day as sampling).  

If you need a blood test but cannot do this yourself, please attend arrange an appointment with the home HD team.  The blood sample will be taken in the Renal Day Unit at Morriston Hospital  

If you need intravenous iron:

If we feel you need intravenous iron we will refer you to the Renal Day Unit in Morriston Hospital and they will contact you with an appointment.

How will I collect my dialysis supplies and medication?

You, a friend or relative can collect your dialysis supplies and drugs from the West Renal unit at Morriston Hospital renal unit.  

Please contact the Renal Medicines Service on 01792 531297 to arrange the supply of medication in advance. Please do not turn-up without arranging this first.  

Where should I go if I have a clinic appointment with my renal doctor?

Clinic appointments with a renal doctor are held at the Liz Baker renal unit. You should arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time. This time is scheduled for your safety. Please do not enter the unit more than 10 minutes before your appointment time.

Contact information:

  • Telephone for renal anaemia team: 01792 703392
  • Telephone for general medication enquiries: 01792 531293
  • Telephone for COVID-19 medication enquiries and on arrival in Morriston Hospital to collect dialysis supplies or medication: 01792 531297
  • Renal pharmacy SMS text message: 07860017368
  • Renal pharmacy email: abm.renalmedicinesService@wales.nhs.uk

Helpful information:

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