Publish date: 17 August 2026
Wessex Kidney Centre which is part of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) is marking an important milestone after supporting more than 100 patients concurrently to manage their kidney haemodialysis treatment at home, helping people live more independently while continuing to receive safe, high‑quality care.
Wessex Kidney Centre currently supports 112 patients on home haemodialysis, in addition to a comparative number receiving peritoneal dialysis. This means more than one in five dialysis patients across the region are now receiving their dialysis treatment at home. Over the course of the last 17 years, Wessex Kidney Centre has worked hard to increase access to home haemodialysis, training around 700 patients for this therapy over this time period, making it one of Europe’s largest providers of home haemodialysis.
The Trust provides dialysis treatment for around 900 patients with kidney failure across the region, with approximately 700 patients receiving in‑centre haemodialysis. Chronic kidney disease can affect people at any age and symptoms are often not apparent until the condition is advanced.
Advances in the available treatment for kidney disease means that patients who do require dialysis are living longer and with the ability to individualise therapy with home dialysis quality of life can also be significantly improved. Once diagnosed with kidney failure, patients are offered a range of dialysis options, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. In‑centre haemodialysis usually takes place three times a week, with each session lasting around four hours.
Home dialysis offers an alternative for eligible patients, this can either be in the form of peritoneal or haemodialysis at home. Home haemodialysis can provide greater flexibility, allowing patients to fit treatment around their daily routines, increase independence and ownership of their care, and improve engagement with their treatment plan. For many patients, home dialysis also significantly reduces the need for hospital visits and patient transport, supporting both convenience and wellbeing. This approach aligns with the Government’s ambition, set out in the NHS 10 Year Plan, to deliver more care closer to home and empower people to manage long‑term conditions.
West Sussex resident, Maria Harper, 69, marked the first time the 100-patient milestone was achieved at Wessex Kidney Centre. Following a diagnosis in June 2025, Maria initially started in-centre dialysis with a 7am slot three times a week and struggled with the new environment and early mornings.
After exploring her options and training for home haemodialysis with her husband, Ian, who now acts as her main carer for dialysis matters, Maria started dialysis at home in October 2025 which massively improved her treatment experience.
Reflecting on the impact of home dialysis, Maria said: “Home haemodialysis provides so much more flexibility and independence. I’m able to choose when to do dialysis, can work the treatment around other jobs, and there’s no travel required.
“There are still challenges including having to be available for medical item deliveries and the equipment taking up a lot of space, but I’m so much more relaxed having treatment in my own home environment.”
Recognising the support she received from staff at PHU, Maria added: “Everyone was kind and patient. I’m so grateful for how they helped me to push myself to make progress.”
Wessex Kidney Centres achievement has been supported by a strong and experienced community renal nursing team, who travel across the region to support patients using home haemodialysis. Patients also have access to specialist advice from the renal centre if they require additional support or guidance with their treatment.
While home haemodialysis provides many benefits, there are some circumstances where it is not recommended for patients to receive treatment at home. Wessex Kidney Centre continues to face challenges common across the NHS, including limited kidney‑specific resources and rising demand. Wessex Kidney Centre continues to work closely with partners across the health system to improve early detection, awareness and access to renal care for patients across the region.