Work starts this week on creating a state-of-the-art dialysis centre at a former Port Talbot factory.
Stationary House in Acacia Avenue, Sandfields, will be partly demolished ready for the new unit to be built.
It’s part of a £70 million investment in South Wales renal services and will help relieve some of the pressure on Morriston Hospital.
Patients will also be able to dialyse closer to home when the new unit opens, which is expected to be in the spring of next year.
It will feature 27 stations with a maximum capacity of 108 patients. It will also have a training area for nurses who teach people to dialyse at home.
Renal services are provided by Swansea Bay University Health Board for people in its own area as well as those in Hywel Dda and Cwm Taf Morgannwg health boards.
Existing services include two haemodialysis units at Morriston Hospital – which receive patients from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend – and one each in Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.
With funding from the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee, several major improvements have already been carried out, such as upgrading the five existing haemodialysis units in South West Wales.
Two of these are at Morriston Hospital, with one each in Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. Patients there are already benefiting from new dialysis machines and other facilities and equipment.
However, the health board also recognised a need for additional dialysis units, covering the Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend areas.
The Bridgend unit opened earlier this year. It is run on behalf of Swansea Bay by Fresenius Medical Care, which also runs the three West Wales units.
It will run the Acacia Avenue centre too. Fresenius will recruit the staff, comprising 18 clinical staff such as nurses, dialysis assistants and healthcare assistants, a clinic manager, and administrative and housekeeping staff.
The medical care will continue to be provided by the NHS consultants and pharmacists who currently look after the patients in Morriston, ensuring good continuity of care.
Renal directorate manager Sarah Siddell said: “The start of work on the new dialysis centre in Port Talbot marks a significant step forward for renal care across South West Wales.
“This development is the result of years of careful planning and collaboration, and it reflects our commitment to delivering patient-centred, accessible care.
“By providing a state-of-the-art facility closer to where many of our patients live, we are reducing travel strain and enhancing quality of life for individuals who require regular dialysis.
“We’re particularly proud that the centre will also serve as a hub for training in home dialysis, supporting greater independence for patients.
“This investment demonstrates a long-term vision for renal services, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to patients, families, and staff alike when it opens next year.”
