The first Baxter Renal Education Centre (BREC) opened in 1991 and was based in Springfield Hospital, South East London. Our aim is to teach patients, their families and carers how to perform dialysis safely at home. Now based in Kew, London, we provide a homely non-clinical environment where people can relax and enjoy the informal atmosphere whilst learning about their dialysis.

The centre is a self-contained residential unit administered by Baxter Healthcare. Four qualified renal trained nurses, who have a great deal of experience in both dialysis and teaching, provide all training and education. Clinical responsibility for patients who come to BREC remains with their referring renal unit. There are no doctors employed at the centre. Everyone who trains at BREC should be fit for discharge from hospital. Once training is complete, patients usually go back to their own home and care for themselves and their dialysis.

Comfortable residential facilities are provided at BREC for all those involved in training. Three of the bedrooms have double beds, and the single bedrooms do have facilities for relatives or carers to stay. All rooms are warm, inviting and decorated in a contemporary style with en-suite bathrooms and TV / Internet access.

A well-equipped kitchen is available for residents to prepare breakfast, drinks and snacks throughout the day. Meals are ready-prepared and can be eaten in the dining room, next to the kitchen.

A relaxation area where patients and their carers can watch TV, read or chat is available 24 hours a day. There is plenty of opportunity for residents to relax during their stay. It is also a good idea to bring along books, magazines, jigsaws, knitting or other pastimes for the evening.

Training is kept as informal as possible. We want everyone involved in the training to go home feeling comfortable and confident to carry out treatment. Training is done at the pace of the learner and can be done on an individual basis or in groups with a number of patients and carers. A computer is available for patients to use, which is linked to the Internet. Patients can access many renal websites to find out about dialysis and other aspects of treatment. There is also the opportunity to chat to other renal patients on-line.

Most patients learn how to perform their dialysis within a week at BREC. If there is a need for extra training, this will be arranged and there is no pressure for patients to complete training in less time than they require. All patients and their carers are only discharged home when everyone; the patient, carer and training nurses, are happy with the treatment.

• All patients must bring the medications they may require during their stay. This includes regular medications as well as those medications required only occasionally e.g. Paracetamol, GTN. There are no supplies of drugs stored at BREC.  Keys are available to lock personal belongings in the bedrooms.
• Patients should remember to take the prescribed laxatives prior to training.  This is vitally important, even if the patient is not obviously constipated. Even mild constipation can affect the performance of peritoneal dialysis and may cause problems.
• Please ensure that patients and those accompanying them bring something to do in the evenings. This could be books, videos or a personal stereo system. There are some traditional games provided such as cards and board games.  The TV provides all UK terrestrial programmes.
• Patients who have received a delivery of dialysis supplies prior to training should bring their stock list and Unicare folder along. This will assist in discussions regarding ordering and storage of stock.
• All residents should bring enough clothing and toiletries for the length of stay. It is advisable for patients to bring comfortable loose fitting clothing with easy access to the PD catheter. A dressing gown may also be useful.
• All patients who are bringing a relative must inform BREC one week before training is due to start. This will enable us to make adequate provision for all our guests.
• The Baxter Renal Education Centre (BREC) is staffed by four qualified renal trained nurses, who have a great deal of experience in both dialysis and teaching. The nurses work from 9am until 5pm. Monday to Friday.

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