For many patients receiving dialysis at the Ulster Hospital Renal Unit, treatment is about much more than managing their kidney condition. It is also about finding friendship, encouragement and a community of people who understand exactly what they are going through.
Renal patients, Jean Thomas and Sandra Beattie have both been attending the Unit for regular dialysis treatment over the past number of years. While dialysis has become part of their weekly routine, so too have the friendships they have built with fellow patients and staff.
Sandra, who has been attending the Renal Unit for two years, said she never expected the connections she would make when she first began treatment, “I have been coming to the Renal Unit for about two years for dialysis. We are all going through the same thing and I have made quite a few friends here. It is great to have that support. You get told you are going for dialysis, but you do not expect to come out of it with friends. We can all talk about what is happening during dialysis.
“We have also made friendships with the staff as well. They are all so lovely in the Renal Unit at the Ulster Hospital. I have received fantastic care here and the Nurses work really well with me.”
Jean has attended the Renal Unit for dialysis three times a week over the past four years and says the friendships she has made help brighten every visit, “I come to the Renal Unit every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It is great when you walk into the Unit and see all the friendly faces every week. There is that friendship to help you through dialysis, which can be a difficult time. It is great that you are able to have a friendly chat and a bit of a laugh. I bring in my sweets for everybody!
“The first day I walked in here, I didn’t know anybody at all. One of the women, who has sadly since passed away, called me over and invited me to join them. That made me feel so welcome and I just got to know everyone after that.
“The staff have been great too. You could not ask for any better. No matter what you ask them to do, they do it for you. They are brilliant.”
Renal Unit Ward Manager, Claire McKenzie said the supportive atmosphere within the Unit develops naturally as patients spend many hours together each week, “Many of our patients attend the Unit several times a week and spend a number of hours here during each dialysis session. Over time they build genuine friendships, offering one another encouragement, reassurance and understanding that only someone in a similar situation can provide.
“It is wonderful to see patients supporting each other, celebrating milestones together and helping welcome new patients to the Unit. Those friendships often become an important part of their dialysis journey and contribute positively to their overall wellbeing.
“Our team is privileged to care for our patients and to get to know them so well over the years. We work hard to create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels respected, supported and cared for. Seeing the friendships that have developed within the Unit is something we are incredibly proud of.”
