New Dialysis Unit: "Getting a more holistic care experience has been great"
A new dialysis unit was formally opened by Barts Health on 10 March 2025, marking a significant milestone in kidney care service. The new unit is located in the brand new St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub in Hornchurch.
In attendance was Jimmy, who has kidney failure and has been receiving dialysis treatment since 2019. Speaking about the difference the new unit has made to his care, Jimmy said:
“The hub has made a real difference. This new unit provides an airy, light and calming environment which makes me feel more comfortable and is a much more pleasant environment compared to a busy hospital environment.
“Getting a more holistic care experience has been great. Growing up I was very sick and missed a lot of school, and in recent years I haven’t been able to work as a result of my condition. Not only has the hub supported my medical needs, but they have supported me to consider my work options, helping me to build my life back together.”
Currently, around 7.2 million people have chronic kidney disease in the UK and 700,000 people are being treated for kidney failure.
With a growing demand for renal services in north east London, facilities like this are going to continue to be important and with the help of our primary care colleagues we hope to strengthen this offering for the community for those requiring renal care.
Professor Ian Jacobs, the newly appointed chair of Barts Health NHS Trust said: “The opening of the new dialysis unit reflects our commitment to bringing incredible care into local communities.
“I am in awe of the organisation, expertise and persistence it must have taken to create this wonderful facility, that is ready to make a difference in people’s lives, not only by making access to care easier, but to improve the quality of care in people’s lives.”
The Hub first opened to patinets in November 2024, to provide easy access to a range of health, social care and community services all under one roof, seven days a week.
These services, including GP services, outpatient clinics, mental health service, community care and diagnostic facilities for earlier cancer diagnosis, support around 250,000 people in Havering and the surrounding north east London areas.
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