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Unit Name: Smithfield Renal Unit
Hospital: St. Bartholemew's Hospital,
Building: A large victorian affair, part of the St. Bartholomew's Hospital Complex
Decor: Shabby, in need of redecoration, some attempt is being made to modernise. Otherwise generally large and airy, ceiling lowered to modern standards etc.
Size: Large unit, approx. 25 stations.
Food: Hot meals for daytime shifts, (although these may now have been withdrawn). Toast for breakfast & during nightshift. Sandwiches also available at times.
Staff: Like most large units, the Smithfield Renal Unit is slightly understaffed, as a result, staff tend to be uninvolved, and short of time, however this does vary. During the nightshift there are usually 2-3 staff on duty as nightshift patients are usually fairly healthy and self sufficient
Facilities: Corridor waiting/reception area shared with renal clinic. Toilets, poorly lit, badly cleaned and unmaintained.... at least when I was there.
Shifts: Three shifts, Morning, Afternoon, and Evening/Twighlight. The Twighlight shift is a TRUE twighlight shift, not starting until about 8 or 9 pm.
Machines: mostly fairly old, COBE Century 300 series, they are gradually trying to replace with newer machines. 2 or 3 AK100's
What its like to dialyse there: There is generally a machine available when you arrival, the unit has a 'self care' policy and patients are expected to set up their own machines or learn to do so!
Comments/Additional Information: Your standard adult type haemodialysis unit. Not brilliant, not diabolical, as with most units they suffer from from cuts which result in a drop in the level of patient care, and number of staff. However when not stressed and overworked, staff are friendly and, generally, helpful.
Contacts:
Unit Name: Haemodialysis Unit Hospital Name: Leicester General Hospital: Address: Gwendolen Road Leicester Contact Phone & Fax: (Unit: 29 0116 2584134)
Main or Sattellite Unit: Main
Machine Type: Gamb AK100 / Fresenius 4008
Dialysate: Bicarbonate
Building Details: Modern(-ish) permanent building near main hospital entrance. Decor is typically hospital-like but pleasant enough. No longer any ajacent parking but usually spaces to be found in main (free) car parks. Disabled access is O K. Waiting area at entrance for pre/post-dialysis. Floor space is fairly well planned with room for visitors to sit. Rooms can get v.hot in summer. Temporary air-con is inadequate. Building divided into one main room and several smaller alcoves. Most patients get big "electric" chairs with remotes but there are some smaller "easy" chairs and a couple of beds. Most patients can see a TV - basic handsets and headsets are provided.
Size of Unit: About 26-27 machines, I think.
Patient Facilities: TV / radio, tea and biscuits, patient toilets in waitng area.
Patient Support: Doc on call from renal day-case, dietician, others "on request".
What it's like to Dialyse there?: Dialysing at Leicester General is usually fine. The staff are v.friendly and chatty and are really helpful. They are also good needlers!!! HOWEVER, it is a VERY busy unit. There are 3 shifts a day except for Sundays, when there are 2. Morning shifts start at 7. Expect to be on your machine upto an hour late on afternoon/evening shifts - make sure you arrive on time though, occasionally you get on your machine early! The staff are brilliant but are TOTALLY over-worked and under-staffed at ALL times. Be patient if you have to wait.
Additional Comments: All needles done by staff nurses. "RCA's" (Renal Care Assistants) can do everything else.
DON'T DON'T DON'T bother with hospital transport if you're a visitor. They can be unreliable and have a tendency to get lost! (HINT - Car Park 2 is one min walk away and never totally full.)
Give RCA Julie Morley plenty of grief!
Please email me if you have any questions.
Submitted By: Eddie Jones
Email @: eddie.jones@talk21.com
Disclaimer: All comments are 'as observed' and not meant to construe that a unit or service there is good or bad. Patients viewpoints may differ! Staff, funding, protocols, facilities and services are variable. Any comments appreciated. Errors and omissions excepted. RenalUK and any involved with this site take absolutly no responsibility for damage or injury resulting to persons, organisations or property caused by use or interpretation of the information on these pages.
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