Terms & Conditions
When booking with us please sign and date the booking form to acknowledge that you have read and understood the Terms and Conditions outlined below:
Acceptance criteria
The Mermaid Centre accepts adult patients for haemodialysis treatment who are medically stable and generally well. Patients with a fistula will need to have been successfully needled for a minimum period of six weeks prior to visit.
We request that medical clearance and dialysis prescriptions are sent in advance (by secure fax - 01328 711865). All medications required during dialysis are to be provided by the home unit. The Mermaid Centre provides the dialysate concentrate, dialyser and IV saline.
We request that all holiday patients provide confirmation of negative HIV, Hepatitis B & C and MRSA tests taken four weeks prior to their visit. We are unable to offer dialysis to anyone who tests positive to these. Patients are to inform us prior to the visit if they are dialysing at another unit other than their home unit between having the tests and arriving with us.
To reduce the risk of complications our fluid removal policy will be a maximum of 1 litre/ hour unless specified otherwise by the referral unit.
Cancellation on our part
Every effort will be made not to cancel any dialysis session unless there is no other option available to us. However, we reserve the right to do so if it becomes absolutely necessary and will endeavour to rearrange the session if at all possible. Procedures and service contracts are in place to minimise the risk of this happening.
Cancellation on your part
In the event that you need to cancel a booking please advise us by phone as soon as possible and confirm in writing. On review of cancellation circumstances charges may apply (further information on finance page of booking form).
Bookings
Bookings can be made directly through The Mermaid Centre - Telephone 01328 711996 or email: mermaid.dialysis@wellshospital.org.uk. Booking forms may also be downloaded here.
The office will be open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Outside of these hours, please leave your name and contact details and a convenient time when you are available and your call will be returned.
Payments
Payment for each treatment will be made through the relevant commissioning authority at an agreed rate. Confirmation of payment arrangements will need to be received at least four weeks prior to the treatment. An invoice will be raised on the date of your first treatment, For any patients paying independently, payment will be required prior to your first treatment.
We will liaise with your NHS unit if applicable for payment to be secured.
An invoice will be raised no later than 4 weeks prior to treatment, or on receipt of the completed booking form if received during the 4 weeks leading up to the treatment.
Payment will be due prior to treatment dispensed unless your NHS unit has accepted responsibility.
Patients paying independently please contact the Mermaid Centre to arrange prior to your visit.
Patient Transfer
Advice and support is provided to us by the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Jack Pryor Renal Unit. Staff will in the first instance consult the unit by phone. If patients need to be reviewed or if become unwell under the advice received from Norfolk & Norwich renal team arrangements will be made to transfer by car or by ambulance as the need arises.
The referring (home) unit will be advised of all actions taken and a summary of care provided on discharge from us.
Respect
Wells Community Hospital believes in promoting the respect and safety of all patients, visitors and staff. Any behaviour which contravenes this policy will be addressed.
Data Protection
All information of a personal nature will be handled and stored with respect for confidentiality of the individual in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
