DIALYSIS patients are getting to grips with new technology by using their regular treatment sessions to receive computer training.

The service at the Easingwold renal unit, in North Yorkshire, is provided by the county council's community education team.

Patients visit the unit for three sessions a week, including local people and those from York, Harrogate, Malton and Ripon.

They have to stay for four hours each time and although some patients pass the time by reading, watching television, listening to music or sleeping, others felt they could do something more constructive.

Staff nurse Ingrid Sugden contacted Pam Collins, Easingwold district manager of the community education service, and told her about a computer training project being run in north Lincolnshire.

It was felt that a similar project could operate in Easingwold by using community education and library services.

Seven patients have received free one-to-one specialist instruction from Louise Machin, an adult and community learning tutor.

Now, patients Geraldine Pearson and John Sanderson have been awarded in-house accreditation certificates for completing courses in desktop publishing and Word software. A further nine patients will start sessions in the New Year.

Councillor Jim Clark, county council executive member for continuing education, said the service provided valuable training to those with limited access to skills and training services.