Dialysis Patients Take Charge at Arrowe Park Hospital
A ground-breaking initiative is transforming the lives of haemodialysis patients at Arrowe Park Hospital by empowering them to take control of their own treatment.
The system, known as shared care, allows patients to actively participate in their dialysis process with the support and guidance of nursing staff.
Haemodialysis is a treatment for advanced kidney failure that uses a machine to filter waste, salts, and fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function effectively.
“Patients can choose which aspects of their care they’d like to manage, from small tasks like taking their own blood pressure and weight to more complex dialysis tasks,” said Hayley Lloyd, a nurse whose own mother underwent dialysis. “The emphasis is on taking part and feeling involved at a level that suits the patient.”
Staff nurse Hannah Kenny highlighted the positive impact of patient involvement: “Being diagnosed with kidney failure can be overwhelming. Patients on dialysis often spend four hours, three times a week on the machine. Those who participate in their own treatment process do better. They understand their condition better and feel more in control.”
While some may perceive this approach as shifting responsibility onto the patient, it is important to recognise that educating them often demands significant time and effort. “The benefit of this investment is that patients become more actively engaged in their care plan, leading to improved adherence to medication and better compliance with dietary guidelines,” explained Amy Garraway, a renal genomics practitioner.”
Debbie Campbell, a 63-year-old great-grandmother from near Upton in Wirral, shared her personal journey with renal failure and cancer. After undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous portion of her right kidney and currently being on chemotherapy, Debbie has been practicing shared care for a year and a half with the goal of having dialysis at home.
“It’s amazing because you’re taking control of your own treatment and your own body,” she said. “It doesn’t suit everybody, but for those willing to do it, it’s very rewarding.”
This initiative gives patients a greater sense of purpose and a way to feel occupied during the lengthy process. Debbie said: “I’m on the machine for three hours, three times a week. It’s nine hours a week in total. We all have our iPads and phones, and some people just sleep. I’m too nosey to sleep. The staff here are like family. They talk to you about their families, and you talk about yours. It’s very supportive.”
The shared care initiative at Arrowe Park Hospital is not just about medical treatment; it’s about giving patients the tools and confidence to reclaim their lives.
“By fostering a collaborative environment, the programme is paving the way for a future where patients are not just recipients of care, but active participants in their health journey,” concluded Hayley.
