What is haemodialysis?
During haemodialysis, your blood is gently removed from your body through a special access point — either an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in your arm or a neck line.
The blood passes through a machine called a dialyser (or may be called an artificial kidney), which removes waste products and extra fluid. The cleaned blood is then safely returned to your body.
Haemodialysis is available in-centre at the Norfolk and Norwich Kidney Centre or at home. Patients usually begin treatment in-centre for the first few months to ensure stability before transitioning to home haemodialysis.
In-Centre Dialysis
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Three times a week (M/W/F or T/Th/S)
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3-4 hour sessions (depending on how well you are dialysing)
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Morning (07:30), afternoon (12:30) and evening (17:30) slots – allocated by the unit
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All care is taken care of by experienced nurses
Home Haemodialysis
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Up to 5 times a week
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Shorter sessions (2-3 hours – ideally 12 hours a week minimum)
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No set time – dialyse when it suits you
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You will be responsible for carrying out your treatment with the support of a partner/carer
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Home must meet specific criteria
At the Norfolk and Norwich Kidney Centre, we use two types of haemodialysis machines. These state-of-the-art systems allow us to provide the most advanced and effective dialysis treatments available.
What is a fistula?
An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the joining of an artery and vein to form a 'super vein'.
It is a surgical procedure (usually a day case) carried out at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
A fistula is the preferred way to receive haemodialysis and is often called the gold standard.
If you decide on this treatment, it’s best to have your fistula created and working before you need to start dialysis.
Benefits of having a fistula:
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Gives better dialysis results
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Lower risk of infection
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Longer-lasting than other access options
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You can still enjoy swimming and bathing
What is a neck line?
A neck line, also known as a tunnelled central venous catheter, is a soft plastic tube inserted into a large vein in your neck. The tip of the line sits near the top of your heart, allowing blood to be taken out for dialysis and returned safely.
Neck line insertions are usually carried out as a day case procedure on Langley Ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Advantages of a Neck Line:
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Dialysis can begin almost immediately after insertion
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No needles are required for treatment
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Suitable for people whose blood vessels aren’t suitable for a fistula
Disadvantages of a Neck Line:
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Higher risk of infection compared with a fistula
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Requires regular maintenance and care
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Visible on the body, which may affect body image for some people
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Greater risk of accidental damage or removal
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You must avoid swimming or submerging the line under water (e.g., baths)
I choose haemodialysis as my choice of treatment - what happens next?
You will be referred to our Vascular Access Specialist Nurses (see contact details below). They will contact you to arrange an appointment for an ultrasound scan of your arm to assess the quality of your blood vessels. If the results are suitable, a date for your fistula surgery will then be arranged.
It is very important to preserve the veins in your arms to ensure the best possible outcome for your fistula.
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Whenever possible, ask healthcare staff to take blood samples or place drips from the back of your hand, rather than your arm.
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If this is not possible, use the dominant arm (the arm you write with) for blood tests or infusions, so the other arm can be kept for fistula formation.
