Holiday Dialysis

Book an appointment

Our Holiday Dialysis services are provided at the Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG

Location

Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG

How to book

To book an appointment either complete the form and submit or contact us directly via email or telephone:

Email address: rf-tr.privateenquiries@nhs.net

Telephone number: +44 (0)20 7317 7751

We are open from 8am to 6pm (BST)

Requirements

We will need you to provide the following before your first visit.

• Medical history
• Dialysis prescription
• Latest blood test and virology samples – (please note when you come on your first visit, we need to repeat your virology samples as required for patients from abroad. We are also required to perform swab tests for screening requirement on admission. We may also need to do blood tests depending on your circumstances). All tests will be declared and discuss during pre-admission. The standard tests are all inclusive in the treatment package that you will avail.

Methods of Dialysis we offer

We understand that managing dialysis treatment while on holiday can be challenging. That's why we offer a range of services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of travelling patients. Our flexible scheduling allows you to receive treatment at a time that is convenient for you, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure.

Haemodialysis

Peritoneal dialysis

This method uses the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) to filter waste from the thousands of tiny blood vessels around it. Before this treatment starts, a minor surgery is needed to insert a small tube called a catheter into the abdomen, near the belly button. Dialysis fluid is then pumped into the body through the catheter.

As blood flows through the vessels in the peritoneum, waste products and toxins are drawn out of the blood and into this fluid. The used fluid is collected in a bag and replaced with new fluid. This can be done as an overnight treatment while you sleep (using a small, bedside machine) or by a manual exchange of fluid for up to four times during the day.

Plasma exchange

Plasma exchange is a medical treatment that involves removing the plasma from your blood and replacing it with donor plasma or a plasma substitute.

During plasma exchange, your blood is accessed through a catheter in a vein, similar to haemodialysis. The blood is then separated into its parts using a machine called a centrifuge. The plasma is removed and replaced with a substitute solution or donor plasma. The red and white blood cells are then returned to the bloodstream.

Plasma exchange is performed less frequently than dialysis, with treatments occurring over several weeks rather than multiple times per week.

Get in touch

Your name

Your email address

Your phone number

Location

Treatments

How did you hear about us?

Your message

Make a new enquiry online using this form and one of our team will be in touch. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by our team.

Why choose Royal Free London for holiday dialysis?

World-class consultants and experienced nurses

Our team consists of highly skilled nephrologists, nurses and support staff — all committed to providing personalised care and support throughout your treatment. Meet our worldclass nephrologists and surgeons.

State-of-the-art facilities and equipment

Our dialysis units are equipped with the latest technology, including advanced dialysis machines and water treatment systems, ensuring you receive the safest and most effective treatment possible.

Conveniently located in London

Our hospital is conveniently located in London, making it easily accessible to patients travelling from all over the world. We also have a dedicated team for our international patients coming from the different countries like the Middle East.

Useful information

Travelling on dialysis

Managing your dialysis treatment while on holiday can be a stressful experience. At the Royal Free London, we strive to make the process of accessing dialysis during your holiday as seamless as possible, so you can relax and enjoy your time away.

Our team of experienced dialysis professionals is committed to providing you with the highest standard of care, ensuring your holiday dialysis experience is comfortable, safe and stress-free. We are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of each of our patients and ensuring that their holiday dialysis treatment is tailored for their support.

Travelling can be challenging for anyone. But for people on dialysis, there are additional considerations that need to be taken into account. The process of finding a dialysis centre, scheduling appointments and transporting equipment and supplies can be daunting, especially when travelling to an unfamiliar destination.

One of the biggest challenges is finding a dialysis centre that can accommodate your needs. Not all centres offer holiday dialysis, and even those that do may not be able to provide the level of care that you are accustomed to receiving at your regular facility.

Another challenge is scheduling appointments that fit in with travel plans. Dialysis appointments typically require you to be present for several hours, several times a week. When travelling, it can be difficult to find appointments that fit in with your itinerary, especially if the destination is in a different time zone.

Transportation is another important consideration. While flying can be a convenient way to travel long distances, it can also be stressful for individuals on dialysis who need to transport equipment and supplies. Similarly, driving long distances can be challenging, especially if you need to make frequent stops to rest and manage your treatment.

Cruises can be an attractive option for people on dialysis, as many cruise lines now offer onboard dialysis facilities. However, cruises can be expensive, and you will need to plan your travel carefully to ensure that you have enough time for treatment and rest.

How to get here

Our dialysis unit is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday.

We are located on the 12th floor of the Royal Free London Hospital on Pond Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG

Telephone number: 020 7472 6451

By tube
The nearest station to the Royal Free Hospital is Belsize Park station, on the Northern Line.

The walk from Belsize Park station to the Royal Free Hospital takes seven minutes, it is partly uphill.

By train
Hampstead Heath station is very near to the hospital and is on the London Overground network, the station accepts Oyster cards.

By bus
There are lots of buses that pass by the Royal Free Hospital. Bus routes 24, 46, 168, 268 and C11 all serve the hospital.

For parking at the Royal Free Hospital, you may find more information about parking by following this link: Parking at our hospitals.

036 23_013_ RFL PPU Renal Dialysis 03.07.23

More services

Royal Free Hospital

The Private Patients Unit is part of the NHS and is wholly owned by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We offer you access to some of London’s most experienced specialists, all of whom work as NHS consultants at our facilities.

About Royal Free Hospital