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Unit Name: Smithfield Renal Unit
Hospital: St. Bartholemew's Hospital,
Building: A large victorian affair, part of the St. Bartholomew's Hospital Complex
Decor: Shabby, in need of redecoration, some attempt is being made to modernise. Otherwise generally large and airy, ceiling lowered to modern standards etc.
Size: Large unit, approx. 25 stations.
Food: Hot meals for daytime shifts, (although these may now have been withdrawn). Toast for breakfast & during nightshift. Sandwiches also available at times.
Staff: Like most large units, the Smithfield Renal Unit is slightly understaffed, as a result, staff tend to be uninvolved, and short of time, however this does vary. During the nightshift there are usually 2-3 staff on duty as nightshift patients are usually fairly healthy and self sufficient
Facilities: Corridor waiting/reception area shared with renal clinic. Toilets, poorly lit, badly cleaned and unmaintained.... at least when I was there.
Shifts: Three shifts, Morning, Afternoon, and Evening/Twighlight. The Twighlight shift is a TRUE twighlight shift, not starting until about 8 or 9 pm.
Machines: mostly fairly old, COBE Century 300 series, they are gradually trying to replace with newer machines. 2 or 3 AK100's
What its like to dialyse there: There is generally a machine available when you arrival, the unit has a 'self care' policy and patients are expected to set up their own machines or learn to do so!
Comments/Additional Information: Your standard adult type haemodialysis unit. Not brilliant, not diabolical, as with most units they suffer from from cuts which result in a drop in the level of patient care, and number of staff. However when not stressed and overworked, staff are friendly and, generally, helpful.
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