Sheffield dialysis centre cuts evening sessions

Dialysis patients say cutting evening sessions will mean they have less time to visit friends or family

Patients at a dialysis centre say they have been left "devastated" by the axing of evening clinics.

The Sheffield centre, run by Fresenius Medical Care Renal Services for the NHS, told patients last week it planned to hold afternoon sessions only.

Patient Susan Damms said: "I was totally devastated. I won't be able to see my friends or even visit family."

NHS Sheffield said it had not cut funding to Fresenius and would be discussing the move with the company.

Apology to patients

Fresenius said in a statement: "The number of patients choosing to have evening treatments has decreased significantly so that, sadly, we have taken the decision the service is no longer viable."

It said it was "working with the patients to find them a suitable alternative treatment slot".

"We apologise to any patients who are inconvenienced by this situation," said regional director Victoria Burgin.

She said that of the five patients having their dialysis during the evening session, only one had not selected an alternative.

Will McKane, clinical director for renal services at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "As commissioners of this service we have not changed or reduced the amount of funding Fresenius Medical Care Renal Services receive as part of our contract.

"We will therefore be discussing this proposed change to the Twilight Service as a matter of priority.

"It is imperative the patients' views are sought concerning this proposed change as we know some patients have their dialysis in the evening enabling them to continue to work and retain an increased level of independence."

'Keep me alive'

Mrs Damms, of Gleadless, Sheffield, said: "I have end-stage kidney failure which means my kidneys don't work at all.

"I have to have dialysis three times a week to keep me alive. Each session lasts just over four hours."

She said that last Wednesday she was told that from Monday the evening session starting at 17:00 would no longer be available and she would have to attend sessions starting at 13:00.

After she and her husband Alan complained, the clinic deferred the move for four weeks.

Mr Damms said: "The other thing that concerns the other patients is that some people work during the day.

"It will have a devastating effect on their income because they can't do an afternoon shift or they might lose their job altogether.

"It is purely about the subcontractor trying to save money, but it's very short-sighted.

"Diabetes, which is one of the major causes of kidney failure, is on the increase."