We recently celebrated our one-year anniversary of the opening of our Bridgwater Clinic in Somerset. Celebrations were very much in order as Bridgwater, since its inception, has demonstrated success after success, providing high-quality healthcare and support for those in the area. One year on, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the benefits the clinic has brought to the area and commemorate the achievements of those who have made the clinic’s first year such a success.
In early 2019, Fresenius Medical Care UK & Ireland was awarded a contract for up to five dialysis units in the Somerset area. Bridgwater, the final clinic, was confirmed in October 2020 and pledged to fill a fundamental gap in the area by benefiting countless patients who previously had to travel to Taunton in order to receive their treatment. We could only imagine the change this would have on those people’s lives at the time.
“It can’t be overstated how significant change can be for dialysis patients, even when it’s a positive change. A lot of work went into making the transition as smooth as possible”, said Phil Evans, Business Service Manager at Fresenius Medical Care UK & Ireland, who worked on the opening of the Bridgwater Clinic.
Additionally, the pace at which the clinic was able to open was no mean feat, particularly set against the backdrop of Covid-19, but we were excited to have the opportunity to recruit an entirely new nursing team.
Looking back a year later, it is safe to say that the impact in the region has been three-fold. Improving the quality of life for our patients is always Fresenius Medical Care UK & Ireland’s highest priority. However, alongside this we’re able to create new opportunities for new and current employees and grow our network of clinics to better support communities around the UK.
The Bridgwater clinic comprises 12 dialysis stations and now cares for around 45 patients. We were able to transform the location from an industrial site to a state-of-the-art clinic, with facilities that have benefitted patients and staff alike. Centred on comfort and accessibility, the clinic uses top-of-the-range technology, new consultancy rooms, television and Wi-Fi services, nurse rooms and recreational rooms.
The staff at the clinic certainly feel a sense of pride in working here. We were fortunate enough to secure the services of an experienced Fresenius Medical Care Clinic Manager, Iris Evaristo, who transferred from London to head up the Bridgwater clinic. Iris has been instrumental in the success of the recruitment process and has built a high-quality team of nurses that enabled us not only to open successfully but also fostered strong internal relationships which contribute to the fantastic clinic comradery.
Our staff have been steadfast in their commitment to ensure they continuously deliver high quality care when transferring patients from one clinic to another, and this can certainly be seen with the great work done in Bridgwater.
This is only a small snapshot of what Bridgwater can achieve. Here’s to the next year!