Welshpool Hospital kidney unit opens

Kidney patients in Mid Wales will be able to receive dialysis treatment closer to home after a new temporary unit opened at Welshpool Hospital today. The unit opened today at the Victoria Memorial Hospital in Salop Road.

Campaigners have been fighting for a unit in Mid Wales for years, as patients previously had to travel across the border to Shrewsbury for treatment.

Andrew Cottom, chief executive of Powys Teaching Health Board said: "I am delighted that patients from north Powys are at last able to access dialysis facilities within the county.

"A number of NHS bodies have worked hard to achieve what is a truly exciting development and one which I know will be welcomed wholeheartedly by renal patients.

"This service demonstrates Powys THB's commitment to bringing services closer to the patient."

Nick Wilson, deputy renal network manager said: "This unit is the first step towards the establishment of a permanent unit in Welshpool and the development of other renal services in the area and across Wales."

Jane Lucy, lead nurse in the renal unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, added: "We are looking forward to being able to provide a service for patients within north Powys.

"We have been working together with colleagues from the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to ensure arrangements go smoothly and Dr Steve Davies from Shrewsbury will be providing medical support in Welshpool."