The two units’ teams worked co-operatively together. We visited both units and spoke with staff and patients. We spoke with four people who were receiving haemodialysis on the day of our visit. In general patients receive dialysis three times a week for some hours at each visit. They had set times to come to the unit but were able to change these if needed. Patients were involved in their care and treatment and were positive about their experience of the units. They said staff talked through “what to expect”, were helpful and “knew what they were doing”.

There were systems in place to ensure that sufficient staff were available to meet patients’ needs. Staff had received specialist training in haemodialysis. Patients’ needs were assessed, as was their suitability to be treated in the satellite units. Care and treatment was planned and provided to meet individual needs. There were arrangements in place to prevent or manage emergencies. There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection and patients were cared for in a clean, hygienic environment. Patients told us that the units were very clean.

There were complaints systems in place and staff reviewed complaints and encouraged comments about the service.