A very busy unit serving the locals, runs like very very busy UK 'satellite' unit, by multinational Fresenius under their 'NephroCare' umbrella. Few English speaking staff and doctors. Prescription provided by my unit was ignored and heparin dosage altered without my consent. Several nurses tried to put pump speed up far higher than on my prescription (endangering my fistula)..

Member of staff elevated my legs/laid me back without asking/informing me.

Semi automated chairs (no beds), footrests manually adjust (need to ask staff).

Unit does not support buttonholing (bring own needles)
Refreshment is plain white rolls with a cheese filling brought in on a tray which is placed on your lap (as no individual tables). Shift change is somewhat rushed. Fresenius machines (5008) at time of review with 'patient ID) card to log name/weight to machine. Morning shift starts at 8 AM

Patients are made to wear BP cuff throughout treatment and machine is set to auto measure every 30 to 45 mins)

Staff hygiene protocol good, if somewhat rushed. Staff are mostly friendly and try to be helpful. Some more than others.

TV is wall mounted in mostly Portuguese language. No wireless headphones offered.

No unit parking for patients (taxis essential).
Wifi (was not offered, if available).

Recommend google translate with Portuagese on your smartphone, and bringing own entertainment/food/water

There is opportunity for better holiday specific treatment/units in the beautiful island of Madeira, sadly this unit does not currently offer that. And this altered my experience of what could have been a wonderful holiday in a beautiful island. As far as I know this is one of 2 units on the whole island, so will always be crowded. Despite the Fresenius mission statement int he waiting room and a note of the Portuguese KPA patients did not seem self caring/involved in treatment as in other countries. I was told no home or self care heamodialysis was done on the island

Unfortunately I did not have a chance to give full feedback to the doctor on my last session as I was glad to just be leaving.

I went there 4 times. Certer very busy, unfamiliar. Treatment ok. Stuff some very friendly others really unfriendly. Very poor bathroom.
Doctor on duty, friendly and helpful.

Sept 2005. Unit very grubby and run down although they plan to move to new premises soon. Most staff very friendly although some hygiene methods questionable. Would probably not use again, although my treatment was okay.

I have been asked by one of our haemodilaysis patients, David Dempster, to say a big thank you for looking after him so well while he was on holiday in Funchal last week (5th to 12th September 2005). He was full of praise for the care and hospitality he received.

Maureen West
Dilaysis Co-ordinator
Renal Unit
Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust
Dundonald
BELFAST

I have been asked by one of our haemodilaysis patients to say a big thank you for looking after him so well while he was on holiday in Funchal last week (5th to 12th September 2005. He was full of praise for the care and hospitality her received.

Maureen West
Dilaysis Co-ordinator
Renal Unit
Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust
Dundonald
BELFAST