THE new purpose built centre for kidney dialysis patients in Whipps Cross University Hospital has been officially opened.

The project, which was opened by Waltham Forest Mayor Midge Broadley, was achieved thanks to the collaboration of several trusts and health authorities.

It was funded with the help of £800,000 from the NHS Executive London Capital programme, and the Special Trustees for St Bartholomew's Hospital provided £500,000. The remainder of funding was by two NHS trusts and three health authorities.

Delighted with the opening of the new unit was Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS trust chairman Michael Haines said: "I am delighted that Whipps Cross was able to facilitate a project which has resulted in enhanced renal facilities for local people. This is a great example of partnership working for the benefit of hospital patients."

Work began on the project in September 2000 and was completed in this September, with the first patients treated in October.

The unit will provide 48 low to medium dependency patients aiming to rise to 108 by 2004. There will also be additional consultant nephrologist and specialist supporting medical and nursing staff.

Whipps Cross Hospital will also benefit with on site expertise from joint diabetes and specialist renal outpatients clinics.

The new building is part of the governments flagship schemes within the NHS plan.

End Stage Renal Failure (ESRF) effects approximately 80 patients per million population in the UK, who will require Renal Replacement Therapy. Patients need to dialyse three times each week, and some travel up to three hours a day for their treatment.