As we know, opening a new unit from scratch can hold many challenges. In July 2008, we successfully opened the Home Therapies Unit at Western Health, based at the Sunshine Hospital in Victoria incorporating both home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis support services. As one would imagine, we encountered a few barriers, both expected and unexpected as we assisted established patients with the change process, and commenced training and support for our first few new patients.

Currently in Victoria, there is a push towards patient self management, not only in the world of renal but also general care. In order to be successful, these patients need continuous commitment and support from their unit. This is a particular challenge during a period of change management. We sought to maximise our patient’s self care abilities, independence, and participation in health related decision making as well orientating them to a new service in order to achieve optimal health outcomes. From past lessons learnt, we were able to start aiming for a truly patient focused Home Unit at Western Health.