Two new units were opened at Epsom Hospital last week to help patients with kidney disease and take pressure off A&E.

A new dialysis unit, which cost £1.7 million, was opened by MP for Epsom and Ewell Chris Grayling on Friday, December 9.

The state-of-the-art unit, located in the Epsom Business Park, will allow people with kidney disease to access dialysis machines closer to home saving them lengthy and inconvenient trips to hospital.

Each of the 20 new machines features adjustable electronic chairs with flat screen televisions, digital radio and WiFi.

It is the fifth centre to be run in partnership between the trust and Fresenius Medical Care Renal Services and can treat 120 patients each week.

Patient Robert Gunner, who was among the first to dialyse in the new centre, said: “I cannot speak highly enough of how convenient it is to have my dialysis here. “I spend a considerable amount of time on dialysis.

“Consequently, what many might consider to be relatively minor concerns, such as your surroundings or creature comforts, really start to matter.

“They’ve got that side of things absolutely spot on here.”

In the same week a new emergency care unit was officially opened at Epsom Hospital following an investment of more than £742,000 across both Epsom and St Helier Hospitals.

The Acute Medical Unit aims to take the pressure off A&E by assessing patients more quickly, discharging them if necessary, or referring them to specialist wards for further treatment.

The unit is made up of a clinical assessment unit; a short stay area for short stay overnight patients; and an ambulatory care area providing treatment and observation to patients who don’t need to be admitted.

Janet Holah, chair of mid-Surrey’s local patient group, Surrey LINks, who officially opened the unit, said: “This acute medical unit is such an innovation.

“No-one likes to be in hospital and a speedy and safe return home is we would all wish for if at all possible.

“It is excellent that our hospital has made such a huge investment in patient care at a time when budgets are tight.”

The AMU at Epsom will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week run by consultants supported by doctors, nurses, therapists and health care staff.

For more information on investments and renal treatments at Epsom Hospital visit epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk