Hospital celebrates reopening of new look renal unit

The renal unit at Dr Gray’s Hospital reopened this week after undergoing extensive refurbishment since last autumn.

Improvements to the facility, which provides services such as dialysis for kidney patients, have been welcomed by staff and patients.

Renal services have continued to be provided in another location at the hospital while work to modernise the unit was carried out.

The unit now has refreshed interiors, a contemporary layout which promotes Covid-safe working, and new equipment such as a state-of-the-art water treatment plant.

All these improvements will enhance patient comfort and staff experience while the number of patient bays remains unaffected.

The refurbishment is one of a series of developments currently underway at Dr Gray’s, reinforcing the hospital’s central role in health and social care for Moray and North of Scotland.

The unit had a small, socially distanced ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening on Monday, March 8. Due to Covid restrictions, attendance was limited to patients who were scheduled to attend for their treatment on the day. This did not diminish the occasion, however, with staff and patients happy to be back in the unit.

The ribbon was cut by Kimberly Richardson, one of the unit’s longest standing dialysis patients.

Moira Shepherd, senior charge nurse, said: "All the renal staff and patients are delighted to have moved back to our refurbished unit. It has taken five months and lots of hard work to make the transformation happen. The changes are very welcome and hopefully once we are settled in, both staff and patients will enjoy the improvements. Thanks to everyone involved in this project."

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