THURSDAY, 14 AUGUST, 2025

Photograph attached – Gayle Fisher receives dialysis treatment at home

First patient in Tayside receives new dialysis treatment at home

Gayle Fisher from Newtyle has become the first patient in Tayside to receive a new type of dialysis treatment from the comfort of their own home.

Gayle has Reflux Nephropathy and she has been on dialysis for two years whilst awaiting a kidney transplant. Normally Gayle would visit Ninewells Hospital three times a week and spend up to six hours undergoing treatment and travelling to appointments. Now thanks to this new treatment option, Gayle has access to an NX Stage VersiHD machine and is able to operate it by herself from the comfort of her own home.

Although home dialysis has been an option for Tayside patients for many years, this new machine is fully portable, meaning patients can receive their treatment from home, or even while travelling, giving them greater control, flexibility and independence. Renal staff are also on hand 24-hours a day to be able to offer support if patients encounter any problems.

Charge Nurse Hazel Lowe said, “The Home Therapies team is pleased to be able to offer this new portable dialysis treatment for our patients.

“This will allow patients to have more control over their treatment from the comfort of their own home.

“This achievement is the result of dedicated work and collaboration between our renal nursing team, consultants, home therapies services and wider colleagues and we are looking forward to expanding this offer to more patients across Tayside.”

Gayle said, “Having the machine in my own home means I’m in a comfortable environment and I can have my treatment when I want. I’m not tied to going to the hospital three-days-a-week.

“The staff have been incredibly supportive and helped me to get set up. I feel confident and have a sense of achievement following my at home treatments which is all thanks to the Home Therapies team. I really couldn’t have done this without them.”

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740720