Dialysis Units
In-Centre Haemodialysis is provided as close to the patient’s home at one of the units listed below:
It is not always possible for everyone to attend on their preferred day or time. We will try and arrange a time that best suits your personal circumstances.
Haemodialysis: shared care and self-care
Shared care and self-care give people having haemodialysis the chance to take a more active role in their treatment, with support from the dialysis team.
What shared care means
Shared care means you can choose to do some parts of your dialysis care yourself while you are in the dialysis unit. This could include small tasks at first, building up only if you feel comfortable.
Self-care means you may be trained and supported to carry out most or all of your own dialysis care during treatment.
Who it is for
Shared care is available for people having haemodialysis who are interested in taking part. You do not need to do everything yourself.
The dialysis team will support you to learn at your own pace.
Possible benefits
- More choice and control during dialysis
- Greater confidence in understanding your treatment
- Support to take on tasks gradually, only if you want to
- A more active role in decisions about your care
How training works
If you are interested, the dialysis nursing team will guide you through a training programme. You will be shown each step, supported while you practise, and only move on when you feel ready.
Watch the shared care video
Watch NHS Grampian’s short video about shared care and self-care:
Dialysis Patient Transport
We’re committed to helping you get to and from your in-centre dialysis appointments and to finding the transport option that best suits your needs. Our dialysis units play an important role in explaining the available travel options and working with you to find the most suitable solution.
Transport may be available through one of our trusted partners, such as St John Ambulance, who work alongside NHS Grampian to support patients travelling to and from dialysis. You can read more about this service in NHS Grampian’s news story: Meet the Banff and Elgin volunteers covering 2,000 miles a month in support of local dialysis patients.
If you have any questions or concerns about your transport arrangements, please speak to a member of our team — we’re here to help.
Can I organise my own transport?
Yes, we encourage and support patients who are able to travel independently, including with the help of friends or family. All our dialysis units offer free parking, and you may be eligible for travel cost assistance through local support schemes.
Please speak to a member of our team to find out more about the options available to you.
Holiday Dialysis
Being on haemodialysis does not mean the end of your family holidays. It may be possible for us to arrange dialysis for you within the UK or worldwide. There are certain conditions that have to be met before you can be approved for travel.
- You must have been on dialysis for 6 months or longer.
- You must have adequate vascular access, with dialysis running problem-free.
- You must have medical agreement to go on holiday.
- Please do not book your holiday and then ask us to find a unit for dialysis. Please wait until we have placed you, as it can take time for units to confirm availability.
It is your responsibility to arrange adequate travel insurance. You must declare all health conditions, including past medical conditions, so the insurance provider can offer appropriate cover while you are outside the UK.
The National Kidney Federation may sometimes be able to help with the cost of holidays or associated travel costs from your accommodation to your dialysis unit. Find out more here: Travel and life insurance for kidney patients.
Travel
You are responsible for your own travel to and from dialysis when visiting another unit. Costs for travel to and from holiday dialysis cannot be reimbursed.
Contact details
Renal Holiday Dialysis Coordinator: gram.aberdeenholidaydialysis@nhs.scot