We offer the most up to date diagnostic techniques, as well as dialysis, transplantation and end of life care. Our patients receive exemplary care and the survival rates, compared with other hospitals, are excellent.
With a long tradition of innovation and excellence, The Renal Centre at The Royal London forms the hub of the service. We provide a full range of treatment options for patients with kidney disease in our new state-of-the-art surroundings.
Our department comprises a purpose built outpatient facility, renal assessment unit, 70 station dialysis unit (including a blood borne virus isolation area), inpatient area (with 62 beds) and from 2013, a high dependency facility.
We treat for patients with chronic kidney disease, haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis as well as kidney transplantation including a ‘blood group and HLA incompatible’ program.
The unit has a very strong reputation for both undergraduate and post graduate education and is one of the countries strongest centres for translational research.
Find out about disabled access to the Unit here.
Dietitians that help support people with kidney disease are called renal dietitians.
At Bart’s Health we have a team of dedicated dietitians on hand to help you with your diet during every stage of your (kidney) journey – pre dialysis, supportive care, dialysis and post-transplant care - whether you are attending clinic as an outpatient or staying in hospital as an inpatient.
When your kidneys are not working well, waste products and fluid can build up in your blood, often making you feel unwell. We can support and advise on changes to your eating and drinking to help control the build-up of these products (such as salt, potassium, phosphate and fluid) whilst at the same time ensuring you have adequate nutrition to keep you healthy.
We provide advice based on scientific evidence and ensure it is tailored to your individual needs; taking into account your clinical condition, culture and preferences. We work closely with you and your other kidney healthcare professionals: doctors, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists, to ensure nutritional is an integral part of your kidney management.
We can provide information and support to help with:
- Keeping to a low salt diet
- Managing your potassium intake
- Managing your phosphate levels
- Managing your fluid balance (on dialysis)
- Improving your nutritional intake
- Healthy eating to promote weight loss
- Controlling your diabetes when you have kidney problems
We have created short videos in English and Bengali on:
Managing your fluid and salt intake when receiving kidney dialysis (English)
Managing your fluid and salt intake when receiving kidney dialysis ( Bengali)
The renal dietetic team can be contacted by email: Bartshealth.renaldietitiansinfo@nhs.net
For over 40 years, we have been providing haemodialysis treatment for patients with end stage kidney failure.
The kidneys contain millions of tiny filters (called nephrons). If these become damaged through disease, then they lose their ability to filter out excess fluid and waste products. If left untreated, then it can lead to coma or even death.
Haemodialysis (also known as HD) is a treatment that pumps your blood through a machine with a special filter to remove waste and excess water. The filter is called a dialyser. Each time your blood goes through the dialyser, it gets a little bit cleaner. This process is carried out three times a week and usually lasts about four hours.
Our aim is make treatment as convenient as we can for our patients, so we operate this service at a number of locations around North East London.
An alternative to haemodialysis may be peritoneal dialysis. We also offer home dialysis.
Home haemodialysis and self-care
We offer a Home Haemodialysis (HHD) service, which enables patients to use a therapeutic kidney machine in the comfort of their own home. Patients benefit from fewer hospital visits and greater independence.
We have comfortable, modern accommodation for patients requiring planned and emergency procedures for renal and urology disorders. In total, we have 62 beds.
The inpatient renal and urology wards provide 24 hour care for patients who may:
- be newly diagnosed with kidney disease and facing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
- have chronic kidney disease
- require kidney transplantation
We provide an holistic service that cares for every aspect of the patient’s welfare – including their medical needs and psychological wellbeing. This is achieved through collaboration with our multidisciplinary team of ward nurses, nurse specialists, physicians, surgeons, therapists, counsellors and transplant coordinators. Our approach is evidence based, safe, empathetic and always patient-centred.
Read our information leaflet on skin care after an organ transplant.
We have a dedicated, comfortable and well equipped unit, with 27 consultation rooms for our renal and urology clinics. Our clinics run from Monday to Friday, and we also host evening sessions.
Our clinics include:
- anaemia: treatment of chronic anaemia including iron and erythropoietin therapy
- pre-dialysis clinics provide on-going care for patients approaching ‘end stage kidney failure’ including information on renal replacement therapies
- dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal
- lithotripsy (a treatment that uses shock waves to break up stones in the kidney or bladder)
- nephrology for patients with mild to moderate kidney disease requiring on-going investigations and monitoring
- renal supportive care for patients who choose ‘conservative care’
- transplantation
- urological diagnostic services (cystoscopy and urodynamics studies)
Specialists at The Renal Centre work closely with experts in other fields, to provide coordinated care for patients with complex needs. The specialists meet up at multidisciplinary clinics so that patients can see experts from a range of departments in one convenient location.
We offer the following multidisciplinary clinics at The Royal London:
- Renal - Diabetes
- Renal - HIV
- Renal - Sickle Cell disease
- Renal - Liver
- Renal - Obstetric
- Renal - Lupus
- Cardio-Renal
Our group of specialist pharmacists will look after your drug management. As a kidney patient, you will be prescribed a range of medicines to treat the cause of your kidney failure, control symptoms and prevent complications. If taken incorrectly, these medicines may not work as effectively and may cause harm. The renal unit has a dedicated team of pharmacists available to help you with your medicines.
The pharmacists can provide you with information on:
- how to take your medication
- possible side effects
- interactions with other medicines and herbal remedies
- medication cards to help you remember when to take your medicines
How can we help?
Kidney disease is a life changing illness, which can cause a wide range of practical and emotional challenges and concerns. It is common for patients to experience feelings of anger, sadness, worry and disbelief. We work closely with your healthcare team in the hospital and in the community to contribute to your overall health and emotional well-being.
We can help at all stages of your kidney care, such as:
- at the beginning of your kidney care journey
- when you are starting dialysis
- during your dialysis treatment
- if you are having a transplant
- if your transplant fails
- or, at the end of your kidney care journey.
We can help if you are experiencing:
- low mood or depression
- anxiety or stress
- difficulties coming to terms with your diagnosis
- difficulties coping with uncertainty about your health and treatment
- difficulties adjusting to everyday life while living with kidney disease
- fears about the future.
Family members and carers
A family member or carer may also be referred to our service if they have concerns about being a potential living kidney donor or another aspect of your kidney disease.
How can I get an appointment?
We accept referrals from any member of your renal health care team. Please speak to your doctor, nurse or other health professional who will contact us on your behalf.
Who will I see?
You will meet with either a
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Assistant or trainee psychologist
Psychologists provide talking therapies which can help you to cope with, and adjust to, living with kidney disease. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that can prescribe medications.
What happens at my appointment?
Appointments take place in in the Renal Department at The Royal London Hospital in a private room. At your first appointment we will discuss your key concerns and decide together on the best way to support you. Appointments last for up to 1 hour.
