Launched on Tuesday 6 October, the clinic will run on the first Tuesday of each month, bringing together Nicola Beavers, Transplant Sister at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), and transplant surgeons at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
The service will help patients access specialist care in a familiar hospital environment, reducing journeys to another hospital and the time, cost and worry these can involve.
During their appointment, patients will meet a kidney transplant surgeon for an assessment to check whether they are fit for transplant surgery. Any further tests required as part of this assessment will also take place at DRI.
Wherever possible, patients will be assessed before they need to begin dialysis, supporting the possibility of receiving a transplant before dialysis becomes necessary.
Nicola Beavers, Transplant Sister at DBTH, said: “Preparing for a kidney transplant can involve a number of appointments and tests, so being able to attend more of these closer to home can make a real difference.
“This clinic brings specialist surgical assessment to Doncaster, helping us support patients in a familiar setting as they prepare for their transplant. We have also started initial assessments for potential living donors, making this part of the process more accessible for family members and friends who wish to explore donating a kidney.”
The initial living donor assessments will support people who are considering donating a kidney to someone who needs a transplant, bringing an important early stage of the process closer to home.
Fewer journeys between hospitals will also help reduce the environmental impact of travel associated with appointments.
Professor Ahmed Halawa, Consultant (Honorary Professor) Transplant Surgeon – Clinical Lead at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I was pleased to lead this collaborative initiative with Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) to establish a satellite transplant clinic. This project required significant commitment and coordination from multiple stakeholders, including the administrative teams at both Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and DRI.
“The primary objective was to improve patient access to transplant follow-up care by delivering services closer to home, thereby reducing travel burden and improving patient experience. The clinic was successfully implemented through excellent teamwork, with particular thanks to Nicola Beaver, Renal Sister, for her invaluable support and contribution.”
Dr Nick Mallaband, Chief Medical Officer at DBTH, said: “This is a welcome development for patients who need a kidney transplant, giving them access to specialist assessment at their local hospital.
“For some patients, travelling to access specialist treatment is absolutely the right thing to do to ensure they receive the very best care. But we also recognise the impact that travelling can have on patients and their families.
“Wherever we can safely provide elements of that care closer to home, making the experience easier and less disruptive for patients, that is exactly what we should be striving to do. Thank you to Nicola, our transplant colleagues in Sheffield, and everyone involved in establishing the clinic and improving access to this care.”
For further information about the clinic or initial living donor assessments, please contact Nicola Beavers at nicola.beavers4@nhs.net.