We are the Social Care coordinators based on the Renal Unit at RSH & PRH, we also cover the following: Ludlow / Peritoneal Dialysis/ Home Haemodialysis/ Conservative Care/ Transplanted / Pre-Dialysis and I/C Haemodialysis work with all renal consultants and Renal staff. The team consist of Gary Foxon Based at RSH and Rachel Williamson based at PRH.

The role of the Social Care Coordinator is to support the social care of the renal patients to the best of our ability. Helping with re-homing patients, or have homes adapted to meet their medical requirements and care packages to fit around their dialysis.

We also Cover the Renal ward 35 regarding any social issues that may arise. Improving patients’ quality of life through signposting and arranging support from services such as Age Concern/ Social services/ Community Occupational Therapy/ Department of Work and pensions. We can speak to these organisations on the patient’s behalf.

Our role as Social Coordinators is to relieve the patients of anxiety and stress due to the renal diagnosis, so they can focus on their dialysis treatment.

You can reach the team on the following:

Gary Foxon- Lead (RSH) Telephone: 01743 261000 Ext. 1219
Rachel Williamson (PRH) Telephone: 01743 261000 Ext. 4902

At SaTH, the renal dietetic team is made up of Marie Trahearn, Rebecca Platt, Laura Saum and a renal dietetic assistant practitioner Matt Lewis. We provide dietetic care to dialysis patients at Shrewsbury, Hollinswood House and Ludlow renal units as well as those on peritoneal and home haemodialysis. We also provide care to patients with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis, those who are for conservative care, and patients who are working up for a kidney transplant. We see patients in person on the dialysis units, in a clinic setting and can also talk to patients over the phone.

What is the role of a Renal Dietitian?

Renal Dietitians work closely with other members of the renal team including consultants, specialist nurses, supportive care and social care coordinators.

The Dietitian will take into account recent blood results, medical and social situations as well as food preferences and provide individualised dietary advice to help manage a patient’s chronic kidney disease. The diet will be tailored for the individual and every patient will have different dietary requirements, so what is advised for one person may be different for someone else.

We aim to work with patients and their families or care givers to provide them with the most up to date dietary information to empower them to make informed choices about their diet. As your kidney function starts to reduce, waste products can build up in the blood and extra fluid can start to build up on the body. This can make you feel unwell, a dietitian can support you to help you to understand this and provide you with tips and advice to optimise your nutrition.

Renal dietitians can also provide support for the following reasons:

1. A reduced appetite and you may not be able to maintain your weight

2. Support you if are trying to lose weight

3. Offer dietary advice to help manage diabetes

4. Help you to understand your blood results, and relevant medications and advise you on the most appropriate diet to try to keep certain minerals in the blood within safe levels

5. Provide education and advice to help to manage fluid balance and reduce salt intake

Dietary advice can change depending on a patient’s clinical condition, stage of kidney failure and blood results

Contact Details for the Renal Dietitians

01743 261358
sth-tr.renaldietitians@nhs.net