Dialysis Unit in Cavan and Monaghan – celebrating 30 years

The Dialysis Unit in Cavan and Monaghan Hospital opened its doors to patients in 1994 starting out with six beds. It was officially opened by the then Minister for Health Michael Noonan on June 15, 1995.

Today, the Dialysis Unit has 18 beds and treats patients from counties Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Meath and Westmeath.

The Dialysis Unit is currently treating 72 patients ranging in age from their early 20s to people in their 90s and there are over 900 patients attending the Renal Services Low Clearance Clinic in Cavan Hospital.

The unit is a busy, professional hub with a “friendly, homely atmosphere”, patient Anna Sexton said.

The strong staff team is made up of a range of professionals including consultants, specialist doctors, nursing and auxiliary care, and the taxi drivers who provide the essential transport service to and from dialysis treatment.

Access to haemodialysis at the Dialysis Unit is usually through one of two ways: referral from Cavan General Hospital Emergency Department or by attending the Low Clearance Clinic first.

The Dialysis Unit operates from Monday to Saturday and patients can begin to arrive to the unit from 7am with the last treatment at 8:45pm each day.

People attend the Dialysis Unit for a range of health conditions including chronic diseases like diabetes, hereditary diseases and one of the most common illnesses among the adult service-users: polycystic kidney disease.

“When you first receive your diagnosis, it can be daunting,” Clinical Nurse Manager at the Unit Jacqueline Larkin said.

“But we have created a friendly, homely atmosphere here to reduce our patients’ anxieties.

“Since patients have to come here three times a week, we get to know each other very well,” Jacqui added. “You get to know their stories, their families and their fears. That’s why this place means so much to so many”.