Charity-funded chairs improve patients’ comfort

Patients who have home dialysis can have a more comfortable experience thanks to East Kent Hospitals Charity.

The charity funded five new dialysis chairs, at a total cost of almost £20,000, and they will be delivered to patients’ homes.

Each chair is electric so easy to recline, and is also height adjustable, and will be used by patients for four hours at a time during each treatment.

Renal home therapies manager Paula Debling, who leads care for home dialysis patients with colleague Arlyn Enabore, said: “These chairs have allowed our patients to move from a manual recliner to electric.

“The manual chairs were difficult to reset after being in the recline position, and the new chairs will be much easier to use and more comfortable.

“We know our patients are going to be delighted with them and are very grateful to East Kent Hospitals Charity for funding them.”

Home dialysis is a treatment for people with kidney disease and involves removing toxins and excess fluid from the blood by running it through a dialysis machine. It means patients don’t need to come into hospital for their treatment, making it easier for them to carry on with their lives and family or work responsibilities.

East Kent Hospitals’ home dialysis service is county-wide, and the team looks after 24 patients who have their treatment at home. They are supported by renal technicians who provide technical back-up and repairs to the machine.

Paula added: “Our patients really are an exceptional bunch of people who have embraced the training we provide and are confident managing their dialysis at home, often with the support of a partner or family member.

“Some people need treatment six times a week, and some choose to dialyse overnight, so the chairs will be particularly appreciated in allowing them somewhere comfortable to rest while they undergo treatment.”

For more information on East Kent Hospitals Charity and how you can support them, visit https://www.ekhcharity.org.uk/