Celebrating 25 years of life-changing care at Antrim Area Hospital’s Renal Unit

Back row: Damien McLaughlin (Charge Nurse Renal Unit), Dr Bob Mullan (Nephrologist), Stephen Watson (BBC presenter and ambassador for Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund & Kidney Care UK)

Front row: Audrey Harris (Northern Trust Director Medicine and Emergency Medicine), Louise Sloan (Specialist Nurse), Gerry Totten (ex-Charge Nurse), Niall Gallagher (Lead Nurse), Caroline Speedy (Assistant Director Medicine and Emergency Medicine) and Natalie McLaughlin (Clinical Services Manager, Medical Specialities).

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has marked a major milestone – the 25th anniversary of the renal unit at Antrim Area Hospital – with a special event celebrating its dedicated staff, patients, and ongoing service to the community.

The renal service, which first began in a single hospital bay in 1995, has grown significantly over the past quarter of a century. In 2000, it moved into a purpose-built centre that has since become a lifeline for hundreds of patients across the region living with chronic kidney disease.

Earlier this month, staff past and present, patients, and their families gathered to reflect on the unit’s journey and achievements.

From its modest beginnings with six dialysis stations serving 24 patients, the unit now operates 20 stations within the centre and a further six in the main hospital, supporting over 300 patients at various stages of their renal journey.

This includes individuals receiving home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, who are supported by a specialist home therapies team.

In addition, a low clearance team assists patients with advanced chronic kidney disease to manage their condition and prepare for future treatments such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.

For former Charge Nurse Gerry Totten, who played a vital role in establishing the service in its early days and still works in the unit today, the celebration was particularly meaningful.

“We started off on a two-shift basis, six days a week, in response to an increase in the number of patients requiring dialysis throughout Northern Ireland, and things have progressed a lot over the last 25 years to what we’ve got today,” said Gerry Totten.

The event also welcomed BBC presenter Stephen Watson, an ambassador for the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund and a double kidney transplant recipient. He shared his personal story and paid tribute to the renal team for their dedication and compassion.

Watson’s moving reflections highlighted the profound impact of kidney care services and the importance of ongoing research and support for those living with renal conditions.

As the demand for dialysis continues to rise, the renal unit remains at the forefront of providing high-quality, patient-centred care across the Northern Trust area, ensuring that those facing chronic kidney disease receive the treatment, support and hope they need.