Borough Kidney Treatment Centre opens at Empire Square

The Borough Kidney Treatment Centre – part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust – will care for patients who need regular dialysis, usually three times a week for up to four hours.

The 47 dialysis 'stations' have been produced to maximise comfort and to allow relaxation during treatment. Artwork by a local artist has been chosen by patients and staff.

The centre includes a specially designated area for patients who want to learn how to carry out their own dialysis at home, meaning that they are able to fit dialysis around their lives rather than their lives around dialysis.

There are also self-care areas for people who want the flexibility of "dropping-in" to under take their dialysis treatment independently, without the need for nursing assistance.

"Patients with kidney problems often need to spend a lot of time having treatment so the environment is really important," said matron Deborah Mundle.

"This new centre means that they no longer need to come into hospital, but can receive their dialysis in a more relaxed, informal and comfortable setting.

It will also allow us to treat many more people, closer to where they live or work."

The new centre is open Monday to Saturday 7am to 11pm. Patients who are seriously ill and with complex kidney problems will continue to be treated in the dialysis unit at Guy's Hospital.