Every year, thanks to our generous supporters, BSUH Charity helps dozens of BSUH NHS Trust staff attend training or conferences, both in the UK and abroad. We thought we’d find out what impact going to such events can have on patient care.
Advancing Dialysis – a case study
Last September, four members of the Sussex Kidney Unit team attended a two day conference on dialysis in Manchester.
The national conference entitled, ‘Advancing Dialysis: Now and for the future’, had speakers from various positions within dialysis, from patient, nurse, consultant and research perspectives.
The Royal Sussex County
Inevitably, it explored a number of topics relevant to the BSUH Team, including home dialysis.
A chance to see new innovations
Our renal team currently treats around 45 patients with a dialysis machine at home. These machines will need replacing in the future.
Technical Services Manager at the Sussex Kidney Unit, Peter Pelling explains that the conference allowed them to see alternative types of dialysis machines and then arrange for demonstrations back at the County Hospital.
“I think it is very important as attendees get to meet other dialysis staff and attend the many very informative lectures and get new ideas to bring back to RSCH, as well as seeing new innovations available.”
Stephen and Peter back at the County
Planning for the future
Senior Renal Technician, Stephen Umney agrees,
“To be able to see the wide range of equipment available in this setting enables us to be able to plan for which equipment, techniques and treatment plans would be most suitable for patients in the future, as well as being able to make contact with staff in different trusts across the country in order to share knowledge.
“The main impact for me as a member of the technical team was seeing how technology has advanced over the years and the prospects of further improvement in the years to come.
“All of these help to improve the quality of care for patients with renal failure whether it is in techniques of care, quality of dialysis or aftercare for transplants.”
Thanks for making this possible
Both men are keen to thank the supporters whose generosity allows the charity to support the development of BSUH staff.
Stephen says, “I wish to say thank you to anyone involved to allow this to go ahead, as this sort of training is an invaluable resource to staff within the trust.”
A sentiment echoed by Peter, “A big thank you to all involved with the charity – these kind of events will only enhance the future of BSUH NHS Trust investments and direct patient care.”
