New dialysis scheme at Countess of Chester Hospital putting patients in charge of their own treatment

The renal dialysis team at the Countess of Chester Hospital is introducing a new approach to care that will give patients more choice and control over their treatment.

The Shared Care initiative is a national programme designed to help people on dialysis play a more active role in their own healthcare if they want to, rather than having everything done for them.

Patients are able to choose whether to get involved in simple parts of their treatment, such as helping set up the dialysis machine, taking basic observations, or learning more about how dialysis works.

Some patients may also choose to insert their own dialysis needles, although this is entirely optional. There is no pressure to take part -  patients can choose what feels right for them and progress at their own pace.

The team is starting the programme with a small pilot involving four patients who have chosen to become more involved in their care, and staff will provide full training, support and supervision throughout to ensure everything is done safely.

Three team members have already completed specialist training in Shared Care and will support the pilot, as well as help train colleagues across the unit.

For many patients, dialysis can sometimes feel like something they have little control over  -  which is why Shared Care aims to change that by helping patients feel more informed, confident, and more in control of their treatment.

Patient Paula Maguire, who has been receiving dialysis at the Trust for almost 10 years and is taking part in Shared Care, said:

"My confidence has changed for the better -  it's given me more understanding and made me feel better about dialysis, as well as helping me understand how the machine works and why things need to be done,”

"I got involved with Shared Care because I wanted to have more of an insight into my treatment. I’m currently helping with some parts of the treatment, such as passing equipment and supporting a step at the end called ‘washback’, where the blood is returned to the body.

"The support from staff has been excellent - if I don’t understand anything, they will explain it to me.

“I enjoy learning new skills and felt excited in a way, especially the feeling of being partly in control, with staff support. I have really enjoyed the experience - it’s something I really wanted to try and I’m glad I did,” 

Rojamol Jobins, Renal Unit Manager, added:

"Shared Care is about giving our patients real choice. Some people want to be more involved in their treatment, while others prefer not to -  and both are fine.

“This approach allows patients to build confidence, understand their treatment better, and feel more in control, all with the full support of our team,”

“And with patient feedback already helping to shape the pilot we hope, if it is successful, to expand the approach to more patients and across more dialysis sessions at Chester”.

Pictured - Renal Unit staff with patient Paula Maguire.