We understand that taking on this commitment can seem initially overwhelming and out of reach. However, we are here to support and empower you through every step of your journey until you feel confident to dialyse independently at home.
The Home haemodialysis service now has two different dialysis machine options for you to choose depending on your own preference:
5008s dialysis machine
This dialysis machine is almost identical to the dialysis machines used incentre but with extra user-friendly additions to make dialysis at home easier for you. You may wish to consider this machine if already dialysing in centre and feel familiar with the machine.
Versi HD dialysis machine
The new addition to the LTHT home haemodialysis service. This dialysis machine is designed specifically for the home environment, requires less installation, provides gentler dialysis and is portable!
Travelling with Versi HD machine: The Versi HD machine is portable to enable you to have haemodialysis away from home without booking in centre dialysis sessions when away. You can travel with your own machine or rent a machine within the UK and certain other countries.
Home Haemodialysis: The patient’s choice for freedom and flexibility
The following videos explore how home haemodialysis empowers people living with kidney disease to take greater control of their treatment.
Home Haemodialysis: The patient’s choice for freedom and flexibility
My kidney disease journey started in 2002. It initially began with some pain in my right-hand side. After blood tests, it was determined that I needed to see a nephrologist, and I subsequently went into hospital for further analysis. I had a biopsy, which showed some scarring on my kidney tissue and confirmed that my kidneys were failing. At the time, I was living a fairly healthy life.
In 2019, out of the blue, my kidney function dropped to around 20%. It happened quite quickly and largely went unnoticed. The challenge then was to establish why I had lost so much function. As things progressed, toxins began to build up in my body. I started getting gout more frequently, and further tests showed that my kidneys were entering end-stage failure.
My kidney function deteriorated further to around 17–18%, and at that point in 2019, I was made aware that I would need to start preparing for dialysis. The criteria for dialysis is that you need three readings of 15% or below before it is initiated. My kidney function then continued to get progressively worse over about a year. It was steadily declining and clearly wasn’t going to stop.
When COVID hit, I was placed on the transplant list in early 2020. We were due to get married that year, but unfortunately, the wedding had to be postponed until August. During that time, I was receiving treatment and advice remotely from consultants. I was listed for transplant at the end of January 2020, only to be told in April that all transplant operations were being suspended due to COVID.
By June and July, things were becoming more difficult. Toxins were building up in my body, and day-to-day life was getting harder. I experienced breathlessness and fatigue, and it was really starting to take its toll. I was reaching the point where I needed some form of dialysis.
My preference was to go down the peritoneal dialysis (PD) route because I wanted the flexibility of doing bag exchanges or using a machine overnight. I was quite cautious about haemodialysis and hadn’t really considered it as an option. In my mind, PD didn’t feel like “dialysis” in the same way.
However, my condition deteriorated quickly, and because I had delayed making a decision, that choice was effectively taken away from me. I was rushed into hospital and needed emergency treatment with a femoral line because my toxin levels were so high.
While in hospital, I continued haemodialysis to remove the fluid buildup and toxins, which meant having a tunnelled line inserted into my chest. At that point, I decided to continue with haemodialysis. I had already started it, and I realised it was the best option for me. That’s when I began considering home haemodialysis.
I chose home haemodialysis because of the flexibility it offers. I work full-time and had space at home for the machine. The real benefit is being able to fit treatment around my lifestyle. If I want to change my routine—for example, for a weekend away, working later, or travelling—I can do that.
Before having a machine at home, I attended a dialysis centre at fixed times, which were difficult to change. If you had a holiday, a birthday, or any other plans, it was very hard to adjust your schedule. With home haemodialysis, I can dialyse on the day I need to and at a time that suits me—earlier or later if required. It gives me much more flexibility.
For example, we recently went on holiday to Benalmádena. I was able to dialyse early in the morning before travelling, which meant I didn’t need treatment again for a couple of days until I arrived and accessed a satellite centre there. That flexibility gives me full control over my sessions and my routine.
I also get a lot of support from the home haemodialysis team. They are always available by phone or video call if I need help or troubleshooting. They manage all deliveries and prescriptions, and I simply place a monthly order for supplies.
In terms of my routine, I usually dialyse for three hours every other day. That works best for me compared to doing longer sessions with bigger gaps in between. I find that longer gaps allow toxin levels to build up more, which makes me feel worse. With home haemodialysis, I have the flexibility to adjust my treatment. I could do shorter sessions more frequently or longer sessions fewer times a week if needed. That’s not something you can easily do in a centre.
I also try to raise awareness for others who are pre-dialysis. I give talks at clinics in Beeston to help people who are approaching dialysis and need to decide on their treatment options. There are usually several speakers covering different options, including PD, home haemodialysis, and in-centre dialysis. It helps people make a more informed decision about what’s right for them.
There’s a lot to consider with home haemodialysis. It requires training, shared care, and commitment. It’s a big investment, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
I’ve now been doing home haemodialysis for two and a half years, and personally, if I had to make the choice again, I would make the same decision because of the flexibility it gives me.
Home Haemodialysis: The patient’s choice for freedom and flexibility
Hi, I’m Anneka Murphy and I am 40 years old. I have four children and live in Wakefield. I’m a primary school teacher, and I do home haemodialysis.
I initially started with peritoneal dialysis because the idea was that I could do it at home while I was asleep. However, it made me quite poorly and wasn’t the right option for me. It doesn’t suit everybody. So, I moved on to haemodialysis and initially had a central line fitted because I needed to change over quite quickly from PD.
I started doing haemodialysis in hospital, but going back and forth wasn’t working with four children, family life, and working full-time. I spoke to the team about doing shared care, which I would highly recommend because it helps you take back some control of your care. You begin to understand why things happen and why certain procedures are done.
Within eight weeks of doing shared care, I was under the home haemodialysis team, who are amazing, and they helped train me at home. In some ways, I feel I’m better looked after by the home haemodialysis team because it’s a smaller, more personal team. They know me inside and out. I can ring them, and they already know my blood results and my history. That’s not taking anything away from ward staff—they are fantastic—but there’s a high turnover on wards, so they don’t always know what happened in your previous session. The home haemodialysis team knows everything about me, so I feel very well looked after.
Everything was set up at home, and I was trained in my own environment. That meant everything was tailored to me—how I sit during dialysis and how I manage my sessions. I feel proud doing it at home, not only for myself but also because it helps the NHS. It’s a significant saving, and it allows me to take back control of my own care.
I later switched to a fistula, but it’s important for people to know that you can dialyse at home with either a line or a fistula. Some people think you can’t come home with a line, but you absolutely can. I managed my line at home with support from the team, and then transitioned to using a fistula.
At first, I was terrified. I remember saying, “I can’t needle myself—I won’t be able to do that.” But you learn. The team is brilliant, nothing is rushed, and they take time to teach you properly. They even use practice equipment to show you how it works. Now, even when I go for respite sessions, I prefer to do my own needling because I know my fistula best. You do get to that point.
I’ve only been doing home haemodialysis for a year, and I feel really confident now. I would say to anyone—just do it. It has transformed my life. I much prefer being at home. If there’s ever an issue and I have to go into hospital, I really notice the difference.
At home, my family can be around me. One of my children has autism, and I wasn’t sure how he would cope, but actually, it’s helped him understand. He can see the machine and knows it’s helping me. I’m not being taken away from home, and that makes a big difference for all of us.
I do my dialysis sessions on a Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday for four hours after work because that routine suits me. My body prefers me to rest afterwards, so I don’t do morning sessions—but that’s the beauty of home haemodialysis. You can tailor it to what works best for you. Some people prefer mornings, others evenings. You can even adjust your schedule, such as adding extra sessions in hot weather.
Being at home also removes the need for transport and waiting around, which helps me stay more positive and spend more time with the people I love. I feel empowered because I’m in control of my care, my environment, and my routine.
One of my initial concerns was whether I would still have access to healthcare professionals. In reality, I would say the access is even better. The home haemodialysis team knows you very well, and there’s a dedicated consultant and nursing team. I can call them directly, and there’s even a messaging group for quick questions. Out of hours, there’s always support available, and they will talk you through any issues step by step.
Another concern I had was the cost of water and electricity. However, the NHS sets everything up at home and reimburses the costs related to dialysis. You’re also placed on a priority register for utilities, so if there’s a power cut or water issue, you are supported immediately. I’ve even had a generator provided during a power outage to ensure I could continue treatment safely.
For me, being able to work was really important. I’ve worked hard for my career, and I have a family and a mortgage to support. Home haemodialysis has allowed me to continue working because I can fit treatment around my job. I don’t need as much time off, and I generally feel well enough to carry on with my routine.
I would say, if you are well enough and have the space at home, give home haemodialysis a try. With the support of the team, it can truly transform your life—allowing you to manage your treatment in your own space, on your own schedule, surrounded by your family.
Versi NxStage : An alternative machine for same outcome, freedom and flexibility
The following video introduces the NxStage VersiHD home haemodialysis system and explains how it provides an alternative method of delivering effective dialysis treatment while maintaining the benefits of home therapy.
Versi NxStage : An alternative machine for same outcome, freedom and flexibility
My dialysis journey started in 1999 when I was diagnosed with PKD. I first started dialysis in 2006, beginning with peritoneal dialysis, which unfortunately didn’t agree with me. I then moved on to haemodialysis, and I’ve been on it ever since. This is now my third period of dialysis, so I’m not new to it anymore.
I benefit from home dialysis because I have a family. When I first started, I had young children and was dialysing at the hospital. The nurses were wonderful, but when I found out about home haemodialysis, it worked much better for me. I could choose how many days and how many hours I dialysed, all on my own schedule. I wasn’t tied to anyone else’s timetable, so it gave me much more flexibility.
My experience with the Versi HD machine has been very positive. It’s quite flexible—you can have a long cable, so you can move it from room to room. I’ve even taken it on holiday, which was great. My husband was able to lift it himself and put it in the car, so it made travelling much easier. Overall, it’s a lot easier than going into a centre and being around people you don’t know.
I get a lot of help with my dialysis from my husband, Daniel. I set the machine up, and Daniel takes care of the drainage bag. He also helps cannulate me and supports me throughout the dialysis session. He makes sure I’m comfortable, even bringing me food during treatment. When I fall asleep, he keeps an eye on everything to make sure it runs smoothly. At the end, he helps take everything down and gets the machine ready for the next session. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to do this.
I would recommend that anyone considering dialysis give home haemodialysis a try. It’s brilliant for people who work, have families, or have busy lives. I do my sessions in the evening, which works well for me. It’s especially helpful for people with children and work commitments, so I would highly recommend it.