New multi-million pound kidney unit to be opened in Carmarthen

On World Kidney Day, (Thursday, 13 March) Health Minister Edwina Hart, will cut the ribbon to a brand new £4million Kidney Unit at the West Wales General Hospital, Carmarthen.

Funded mainly by the Welsh Assembly Government, the unit will substantially increase kidney dialysis capacity in West Wales, allowing more patients to be treated locally rather than having to travel long distances.

Commenting at today’s opening Edwina Hart said: “I see the opening of this new state of the art Renal Dialysis Unit as a significant step forward in improving renal care in Wales.

“This Unit will replace very outdated facilities and provide patients with a much better environment – echoing our 10 year strategy, Designed for Life, that aims to deliver modern first-class health facilities as close to the patients as possible., and will mean that more patients will be able to get this vital treatment locally.”

Previously, 80 kidney dialysis patients had access to 16 dialysis stations with a further 16 getting treatment during twilight sessions in the evenings.

The new unit will ultimately have 30 stations allowing for the treatment of up to 120 patients, based on two sessions a day, six days a week.

Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “Our recent Campaign highlighted the need for more world class renal facilities in Wales.

“The new dialysis unit in Carmarthen underlines the Minister’s support to achieving this goal and it is hugely encouraging to see she is committed to improving the lives of those affected by kidney failure.

“We are committed to working with a Government which is prepared to work in partnership and not be afraid to be challenged.

“We can then assist each other in delivery with a more patient focused approach. By doing so patients lives will be improved.”

Today’s opening ceremony is another bonus for kidney dialysis treatment across Wales.

North Wales already benefits from three well established renal dialysis units in Bangor, Rhyl and Wrexham.

Following the opening of the new Renal unit in Carmarthen the Minister visit University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff to see plans for the new £4.2m transplant unit funded from the All-Wales capital programme, which will be open in two years.

The Minister said: “I appreciate that for many renal patients currently dependent on dialysis a kidney transplant represents the best option.

“That is why the Welsh Assembly Government has supported the development of the dedicated renal transplant unit at the University Hospital of Wales.

“This will dramatically increase current renal transplant capacity and greatly improve the quality of life for renal patients.

“However, such a unit will only be a success if sufficient organs are available and that is why I have agreed a grant of up to £100,000 to the Kidney Wales Foundation with the support of its partner charities to deliver an organ donor awareness raising publicity campaign in Wales from April 2008.”