Information for Patients and Carers
Benefits
See https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/disability for a full list of carers and disability benefits that kidney patients may be entitled to.
Should you need any more support, please contact us for help and signposting.
Kidney Care UK, although based on the mainland, can and do support people on the Island and can also give any advice regarding benefits. See their website for details about benefits for kidney patients (and carers).
Mainland Travel
Should anyone have a medical appointment on the Mainland, both Wightlink and Red Funnel offer 50% discount for all NHS appointments.
You will need to show your appointment letter to either ferry company in order to obtain the discounted fare. Should there be any issues with travel, please contact us.
Visiting the Isle of Wight
The thought of going on holiday when you need dialysis can be a daunting experience.
Here on the beautiful Isle of Wight, the team at the Isle of Wight Dialysis Unit will try to make the process as easy as possible.
Based at St Mary's Hospital Newport, the Isle of Wight Dialysis Unit is part of the Wessex Kidney Centre (based at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust).
If you've been stable on dialysis for over six months and are fit to travel, please give the holiday coordinator a call on 01983 821314 between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
It's worth remembering that the Isle of Wight Dialysis Unit is a small, friendly unit in one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations. As such, there is limited availability for holiday dialysis and it gets booked up quickly. Please plan ahead!
Useful Links
Kidney Care UK has a wide range of useful fact sheets and leaflets for kidney patients.
National Kidney Federation is a national kidney charity run by kidney patients for kidney patients.
NHS Dialysis offers information about dialysis on the NHS.
Isle of Wight Social Services has details of adult care services provided by our local authourity.
Citizens Advice is the national provider of free information and advice.
Age UK can offer help with form filling, domestic support and they also have a befriending scheme which is supported by volunteers.
Isle of Wight Foodbank help local people in crisis. The IWKPA can provide a referal so you can access this service. Please contact us for more information.
Community Pantries - Isle of Wight is a network of communitry pantries across the Island providing access to discounted food for all Island residents.
The Better Days Cafe in Ventnor is a community hub, supporting those locally with clothing, food, social and emotional support.