Clinics for kidney patients set up in Batley, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike

The move, which has been instigated by NHS Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group, is designed to shift services away from hospitals and closer to patients’ homes in the area.

The new consultant-led clinics will run on Thursday mornings at Batley Health Centre, Brookroyd Surgery in Heckmondwike and Healds Road Practice in Dewsbury where ongoing checks and care for the area’s 236 renal patients can be given.

GPs will also be given specialist training.

Patients needing dialysis or living with a transplanted kidney will continue to attend Dewsbury and District Hospital. All patients affected by the changes have been sent a leaflet telling them about the new community clinics.

The CCG’s Chair, Dr David Kelly, said: “One of the CCG’s key aims is to deliver as much care as possible at, or closer to, people’s homes, ensuring that services are more accessible and convenient.

“I am really pleased and proud that we can now add renal clinics to a growing list of healthcare services being offered in community settings rather than at hospitals. I am sure patients will benefit from having appointments at clinics closer to their home as well as from the overall service improvements that will be in place later this year.”