A NEW scheme is allowing haemodialysis patients at Arrowe Park Hospital to take charge of their own treatment.

The initiative, known as shared care, supports patients in participating in their dialysis treatment with the assistance of the nursing staff.

Haemodialysis is a process used to treat advanced kidney failure.

It utilises a machine to remove waste, salts, and fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform these tasks effectively.

Hayley Lloyd, a nurse who has personal experience of a loved one's dialysis, said: "Patients can choose which aspects of their care they'd like to manage, from small tasks like taking their own blood pressure and weight to more complex dialysis tasks.

"The emphasis is on taking part and feeling involved at a level that suits the patient."

Staff nurse Hannah Kenny added: "Being diagnosed with kidney failure can be overwhelming.

"Patients on dialysis often spend four hours, three times a week on the machine.

"Those who participate in their own treatment process do better.

"They understand their condition better and feel more in control."

Debbie Campbell using the dialysis machine (Image: Supplied) Despite the assumption that this approach may shift responsibility onto the patient, the staff maintains that educating them requires a substantial investment of time and effort.

Amy Garraway, a renal genomics practitioner, explained: "The benefit of this investment is that patients become more actively engaged in their care plan, leading to improved adherence to medication and better compliance with dietary guidelines."

One patient who has benefited from this initiative is Debbie Campbell, a 63-year-old great-grandmother from near Upton, Wirral.

After surgery to remove a cancerous portion of her right kidney and currently on chemotherapy, Debbie has been practising shared care for a year and a half.

She said: "It's amazing because you're taking control of your own treatment and your own body.

"It doesn't suit everybody, but for those willing to do it, it's very rewarding."

Ms Campbell is on the machine for nine hours a week.

She said: "The staff here are like family.

"They talk to you about their families, and you talk about yours.

"It's very supportive."

Nurse Hayley Lloyd concluded: "By fostering a collaborative environment, the programme is paving the way for a future where patients are not just recipients of care, but active participants in their health journey."