Our dialysis team is a diverse range of highly skilled professionals, each an expert in their field, forming an exceptional team.
With patients arriving from all corners of the world, our nurses possess the remarkable ability to accommodate their every need through patient-focused care. Their extensive experience and unwavering dedication make them long-standing members of the private patients’ team, ensuring that every individual receives the highest standard of care.
One notable aspect of the Royal Free London Private Patients Dialysis Unit is the presence of a diverse array of experts, fluent in various languages. This enables effective communication and connection with service users from different cultural backgrounds. Whenever possible, the team members make an effort to converse with patients in their native tongue, going beyond discussing their health concerns to address relevant issues that may extend beyond the scope of their medical treatment.
Angela Yuan, matron and renal lead nurse, is a highly experienced renal nurse with over 20 years of expertise in haemodialysis, renal transplantation and plasmapheresis. Angela describes what working in dialysis unit is, “Dialysis is more than just connecting and disconnecting patients from a machine—it is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that tailors treatment to each individual’s needs. Personalised care and continuous monitoring are key to improving outcomes and enhancing patients’ quality of life.”
Froilan Galima is the dedicated dialysis unit manager and is responsible for managing the team. He places significant emphasis on the importance of having a skilled and reliable group of experts who form the backbone of the unit. Froilan and his team create a compassionate and inclusive environment, where the focus extends beyond medical care. By embracing personalised care, valuing companionship, and fostering open communication, they ensure that each service user’s journey is not only medically supported but also enriched by a sense of understanding, cultural sensitivity, and holistic well-being.
Hanna Lavarro worked in paediatric ward before transferring to the Royal Free Hospital as a dialysis nurse. She described how to care for a dialysis patient, “Not all patients we care for are the same. Some are more complex than others. But we treat them based on their individual health needs and this may mean coordination with other healthcare teams, such as doctors, to give the patients the best care possible.”
Suzanne Cabang-Llamas is a peritoneal dialysis (PD) nurse specialist with an impressive 16-year experience as a renal specialist, she exudes expertise and a profound understanding of the intricacies of peritoneal dialysis.
Suzanna and her team provide ongoing support and guidance, closely monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting the treatment plan as needed. Her time spent working previously in the NHS makes her a skilled nurse.
Verbo Cabus has 18 years of experience in both the NHS and private patients unit, Verbo embodies a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his profession.
One aspect that Verbo finds particularly rewarding is assisting dialysis patients who are on holiday. These individuals, despite being away from their usual routines, still require regular treatment, typically attending the unit three to four times a week. Verbo cherishes the opportunity to provide them with the personalised care they need, ensuring their health remains a priority, even when far from home.
Teresa Tangonan has been a nurse for more than eight years. She started working as a haemodialysis and satellite dialysis nurse in the Philippines before moving to the United Kingdom and working for the NHS. When asked why she chose to become a renal nurse, she said “Working as a renal dialysis nurse is very rewarding. We get to make a difference in a patient’s life. Most patients who are on dialysis are waiting for a kidney transplant. It could take up to three years and they must stay on dialysis until they can receive a new kidney. We help them during their dialysis by ensuring they receive the right care, and we provide the best possible treatment.”
“The satisfaction we get knowing we contribute to our patient’s wellness is very rewarding. They come into the hospital unwell, and they leave in a better state, healthy and happy, that makes the job satisfying” Luvie Manabat said, one of the RFL PPU’s long-standing dialysis nurses.
“Dialysis is more than just a procedure, it’s a life-sustaining therapy that impacts every part of a patient’s life. Many patients struggle with the restrictions on their diet and lifestyle, and the emotional burden of long-term treatment. As their nurse, you become a critical part of their journey, ensuring not only that they receive safe and effective treatment but also that they feel heard, valued, and supported” said Sakena Gallaf who’s been with RFL dialysis unit since 2016. Sakena, Luvie, and Hanna are also all fluent in Arabic language. This multilingual ability increases positive experience amongst patients from Middle Eastern countries.
The support of healthcare assistants is also highly commendable. Kristine Villanueva, RFL PPU’s healthcare assistant works in the dialysis unit for several years. Her experience in caring specifically for dialysis patients helps in giving patients a comfortable and stress-free experience.
The RFL PPU dialysis unit stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and expertise of its nursing team. From the bustling nurses’ station to the comforting interactions with patients, the unit embodies a harmonious blend of skill, empathy, and teamwork. It is a place where patients receive not only exceptional medical treatment but also compassion, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
Credit: Nabeeha Toufiq, Paul Dupont, and Senal Ellaranga
