WITHYBUSH HOSPITAL’S new £7.8m renal unit has opened its doors and has started to treat some local patients this week as part of the first phase of opening. Further patients from Pembrokeshire who are currently being treated in Carmarthenshire will also benefit from receiving dialysis treatment closer to home later this year as part of the second phase. The 21 station, state of the art renal unit is a service that has been provided thanks to a collaboration between the Welsh Renal Clinical Network, Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee, and University Health Boards in Hywel Dda and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg.

Bernardine Rees OBE, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “I’m delighted that Pembrokeshire patients are now able to receive their treatment in such a modern facility without travelling far from home. I’d like to praise the hard work and dedication of the staff who worked tirelessly over the weekend to get the unit ready for opening this week. This development is excellent news for the people of Pembrokeshire and our renal patients who will directly benefit from this significant investment into Withybush Hospital.”

Nicola Shaw, Regional Business Manager for Fresenius Medical Care Renal Services, who are commissioned to provide the service added: “We have been providing the service for the last six years and so were delighted to be selected to operate the service in the new unit. We know that patients have waited a long time for a permanent unit so at long last they can access a first class service and facility.” Patient Hannah Whatley from Pembroke Dock, who has a genetic disorder which has resulted in the need for dialysis, had previously been travelling to Morriston and Glangwili Hospitals to receive her treatment.

Mrs Whatley said: “The new unit is fantastic and the staff have been brilliant, nothing is too much trouble for them. This new unit means a lot to the people of Pembrokeshire and will improve the lives of many as they won’t need to travel so far anymore.” Carol Legg from Freystrop, who is also benefiting from being treated closer to home, added: “Previously when I was travelling to Glangwili Hospital I would have to be up at 5am to get my lift which was such a long day.” The facility includes consulting, training and treatment areas, together with seminar and conference facilities.

Patients have been included throughout the design which has resulted in a beach theme and patient enhancements such as individual patient televisions and WIFI access through the treatment areas. The close association with Pembrokeshire Access Group through the design stage has ensured the building meets the needs of able bodied and disabled people. It has also achieved Breeam ‘excellent’ status by incorporating solar powered electrical generators, making it the greenest building ever produced by the University Health Board. In addition, this development at the front of the hospital has also increased the number of car parking spaces and improved public transport access as the bus can now drop off in the front of the hospital.