Residents living with kidney failure will be able to access life-saving dialysis treatment on their doorstep for the first time when a new �2.5 million dialysis unit opens.

The Redbridge Renal Unit, which will be based at King George’s Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes, and run by Barts Health Trust will serve 100 local patients who currently have to travel to one of four other units for essential treatment three times a week.

Clinical director, Dr Neil Ashman, said: “We are delighted to open this much needed new unit in Redbridge which will provide our renal patients with access to first-rate treatment in modern, high quality facilities within their own community.”

The layout and facilities, such as a television for each patient’s personal use, were designed in close consultation with staff, patients and other stakeholders.

Renal matron, Mary Coll, said: “Regular dialysis is the only way to help kidney patients live a long and healthy life, but we recognise that it is also incredibly time-consuming and tiring.

“The Redbridge unit will be open from 6am to midnight six days a week all year round and we will try to offer patients a choice of morning, afternoon or twilight sessions.”