Introduction to Wells Community Hospital
If you would like to read a printed version of these pages, please download our printable Patient Guide (pdf).
Wells Community Hospital Trust (WCHT) is a charity that was established by local people to take on the ownership and management of their community hospital. The Hospital was built by public subscription one hundred years ago and has a strong tradition of providing quality care. The creation of the community charity came about following a vigorous campaign by local people and the support of the local NHS.
Wells-next-the-Sea is a beautiful and historic seaside resort on the North Norfolk Coast. The long sweeping beaches bordered by pine woodland and the gentle harbour with small boats provide an idyllic setting for rural life and a favourite destination for bird watchers. The renowned Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and historic Holkham Hall are also found close by.
We are very grateful for the funding of our Renal Nurse Manager, Kathryn Eggleton, by the British Kidney patient Association http://www.britishkidney-pa.co.uk/ The association also offers certian patients the opportunity to apply for grants toward the cost of their holidays. If you would like more information click here http://www.britishkidney-pa.co.uk/grants.html
Clinical Services
The Mermaid Centre for Renal Dialysis provides short term kidney haemodialysis treatment for people away from home.
During your stay you will meet several members of our team. We are all here to meet all your care needs and to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The unit is staffed with experienced haemodialysis nurses and health care assistants.
The Mermaid Centre Manager is:
Kathryn Eggleton, RGN, Nephrology Nurse
Contact
Email: mermaid.dialysis@wellshospital.org.uk or phone 01328 711996
Your Treatment & Care
Prior to your arrival, our staff will have ensured that we have information about your treatment from your home renal unit. We also need you to inform us of your normal routines and practices which will be documented in a care plan. Your records will be kept securely on site just in case you wish to visit us again and will help us to make any future visits more efficient.
Your initial assessment will be carried and we will ensure complete privacy and confidentiality of the information you provide. Notes made regarding your care preferences and treatment regimes will be kept securely. You are welcome to read and comment on these notes which will not be shared outside the Dialysis team without your prior consent.
Quality of Care
Wells Community Hospital Trust aims to make your stay as safe and pleasurable as possible. We encourage you to read our statement of purpose available on the Wells Community Hospital website or this can be sent to you on request. Our unit complies with the Essential Standards of Quality and Safety outlined by the Care Quality Commission. Policies and Procedures are available on request.
Management of Medications
Medications required for your dialysis treatment which you have brought with you will be documented and kept in a locked cupboard or fridge until used. On administration, they will be checked against your prescription and personal details and signed for by the renal nurse. We ask you to bring all your dialysis medication with you as outlined on the booking form.
Your usual medications which do not need to be administered during dialysis can be kept with you for your self administration as per your pharmacist instructions.
Infection Control
Maintenance of a clean and hygienic environment is paramount in order to minimise the risk of infection. Please ensure that you and any guests use the hand wash sinks and hand gels provided on entry and exit to the center and report any spills you may see at the earliest opportunity.
Please wash your fistula arm thoroughly with soap and water before dialysis
Health & Safety
The staff and volunteers of Wells Community Hospital will endeavour to ensure that the environment is kept as safe as possible. We value your feedback on any situation which you may indentify as requiring review.
Fire
In the unlikely event of a fire, the alarm will sound a continuous siren. Please follow the instructions of the nurse attending to you. Each fire door provides you with 30 minutes protection and so this allows time to discontinue treatments safely if the need arises. If the fire is located within the Dialysis centre itself, the nurses will assist you to leave the building and wait at the fire assembly point in the front car park.
Emergency Transfers
In the event that you become unwell and need extra medical support, we are able to contact the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Renal Directorate for medical advice in the first instance. Under their guidance we will transfer you to Norwich by ambulance if it becomes necessary.
Introduction to your Dialysis Station
Each station has its own TV for your use and the centre is equiped with WiFi if you require it. Please bring your own laptop with you if you wish. We do ask for volumes to be kept to a minimum or headphones used.
Although your nurse will be in the room for the majority of the time, you are provided with a call bell in case of urgent assistance being required.
Wells Community Hospital can not accept any liability for the loss of damage to personal belongings.
Special Support Services
All patient areas in the Hospital are accessible for anyone with a disability. Staff are on hand to offer assistance where requested. Wheelchairs located at the front door are available for use. We have access to Translation Services. Information and support for those with visual and hearing problems is provided through Norfolk Deaf Association and Norwich & Norfolk Association for the Blind.
Spiritual Needs
If you need space for quiet thought, reflection or prayer please ask a member of staff. We can also provide leaflets detailing local places of worship and contact numbers.
Discharge
A summary sheet of your care will be emailed or faxed to our contact in your home renal unit and a copy given to you when you leave. If you have any queries or problems following your return home please do not hesitate to contact us.