THE treatment of kidney patients is taking a step forward with the opening of a dialysis unit in North Yorkshire.

The satellite unit has been created at Acorn Court, in Easingwold, to ease the burden on the main dialysis unit at York District Hospital, which is full, dealing with more than 72 patients. Its satellite has six stations and will be able to provide dialysis for up to 24 patients.

Clinical director of medical services Dr David Worth said: "In the past patients who need life-saving kidney dialysis have often had to travel considerable distances to receive care.

"This new unit provides the treatment they need on their doorsteps and is greatly improving the quality and convenience of care for kidney patients."

Crucial to the development of the unit, and the growing demand for dialysis, has been the recruitment of Dr Donald Richardson as a third consultant physician with an interest in renal medicine. More renal developments from York are planned with discussions under way regarding a second dialysis satellite at Harrogate.