Barts Health NHS Trust has formally opened a new dialysis unit at St George's Health and Wellbeing Hub in Hornchurch, bringing crucial kidney care services into the heart of the community. 

The state-of-the-art facility, which opened on 10 March 2025, arrives at a critical time, with an estimated 3.25 million people in the UK living with chronic kidney disease stages three to five.

The new facility has already made a significant difference for patients like Jimmy, who has been receiving dialysis treatment since 2019. Unlike the clinical atmosphere of a busy hospital setting, Jimmy now benefits from the unit's spacious, light-filled environment that creates a more calming experience during his regular treatments. Beyond addressing his medical needs, the hub's holistic approach to care has supported Jimmy's broader wellbeing. Having missed much of his schooling due to childhood illness and being unable to work in recent years because of his kidney condition, Jimmy has found valuable support through the hub's employment guidance services. This comprehensive approach is helping him rebuild his life beyond just managing his kidney failure, addressing the social and economic impacts that often accompany chronic health conditions.

You can find the article from Barts Health NHS Trust where Jimmy shares his experiences here.

The facility is part of the larger St George's Health and Wellbeing Hub which opened in November 2024, bringing together GP services, outpatient clinics, mental health services and diagnostic facilities under one roof.

With demand for renal services growing across north east London, this community-based approach aligns with the pressing need to provide accessible, high-quality kidney care outside traditional hospital settings. The hub serves approximately 250,000 people in Havering and surrounding areas, offering services seven days a week.

The National Kidney Federation continues to advocate strongly for facilities like the new St George's dialysis unit, which exemplifies the community-based kidney care approach needed across the UK. As the NHS undergoes significant change, the NKF remains committed to emphasising the importance of accessible, patient-centred facilities that bring vital services closer to the 3.25 million people living with chronic kidney disease stages three to five.

This approach to kidney care acknowledges that patients need more than just medical treatment—they require holistic support addressing all aspects of their lives, from clinical care to employment opportunities and overall wellbeing. The NKF views developments like the St George's Health and Wellbeing Hub as essential steps toward improving both outcomes and quality of life for kidney patients nationwide.