Shared-care in haemodialysis
Information for patients from the Kent Kidney Care Centre
What is meant by shared-care in haemodialysis?
Shared-care is about being more involved in the day-to-day management of your condition and its treatment. This may involve performing care activities for yourself, that nurses or other healthcare professionals have done in the past.
Shared-care enables people who have long-term conditions to be more informed about and involved in their treatments. This can make them feel better and more in control of their own care.
For someone having dialysis, this could include:
weighing themselves before and after dialysis; and / or
undertaking parts of their own treatment in the Dialysis Unit.
Patients who have been involved in managing their own care, have said they:
have a clearer understanding of their condition and treatment;
become experts in their own care;
get back control and confidence; and
feel better in themselves.
What if I am unable to do it?
We realise that shared-care is not for everyone. If you do not wish to be involved, nursing staff will continue to care for you in the Dialysis Unit.
We will not pressurise you to do anything beyond your wishes or capabilities.
How do I become confident enough to do things ‘on my own’?
The member of staff supporting you with your training programme will help you at every stage.
What if I do something wrong?
The staff in the Dialysis Unit will still be checking things, even if you are fully self-caring. If you think you have made a mistake call one of them, they will be pleased to help you.
How will I learn?
All staff can be involved in teaching you the aspects of dialysis you have chosen to learn about. We know people learn at different speeds, so the pace will be set by you. There is also a booklet for you to complete, please ask the nurse-in-charge of your care for a copy.
Local and national training / information videos are also available.
Please be aware that some of the video content on the Sharing Haemodialysis Care web site refers to care that East Kent Hospitals may not provide. Please discuss any concerns you have with the unit nurses.
What if I’m trained, but on a particular day just do not feel up to it?
Speak to the staff in your unit. They will be happy to take over any aspects of your treatment that you may not feel up to doing until you feel able again.
Who do I speak to if I want more information?
Please speak to any member of unit staff if you wish to know more about shared-care.
Can I dialyse at home?
For more information about home dialysis, please ask the unit nurse to refer you to the Home Dialysis Team.
What if I decide shared-care is not for me?
No problem. We realise shared-care does not suit everyone. Your treatment will continue as normal.
Further information
Further renal leaflets are available on the Trust web site. If you cannot access these, please speak to a member of unit staff.
[Website last accessed 23 January 2026]
Ask 3 Questions
There may be choices to make about your healthcare. Before making any decisions, make sure you get the answers to these three questions:
What are my choices?
What is good and bad about each choice?
How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?
Your healthcare team needs you to tell them what is important to you. It’s all about shared decision making.
What do you think of this leaflet?
We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.
If you would like to give us feedback about this leaflet, please fill in our short online survey. Either scan the QR code below, or use the web link. We do not record your personal information, unless you provide contact details and would like to talk to us some more.
If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.
Patient Voice Team
Telephone: 01227 868605
Email