A NEW state of the art Renal Dialysis Unit has been opened at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Bolton MPs Dr Brian Iddon and David Crausby jointly officially opened the new £1.2 million unit for people in the Bolton and Wigan area who have kidney problems.

For many patients the new unit at Bolton will help local sufferers who previously had to travel to Hope Hospital in Salford.

The unit came about thanks to a partnership between two hospital trusts, other NHS organisations and kidney patients who have been widely consulted about their views. The building and support services have been supplied by Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust and the clinical service and the majority of staff are managed by Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust.

The unit will have 12 stations, providing life-saving dialysis for a total of 48 patients a week.

A further six stations will open next year taking the total number of patients cared for to 72. A dedicated renal transport service has been commissioned for these new patients.

The design of the new unit is innovative and creative according to hospital bosses and was developed after full consultation with kidney patients associations.