Totton Renal Dialysis Unit

Our Approach

Care that fits the rhythm of your life, not the other way around.

Dialysis is a long-term relationship — most of our patients visit three times a week, every week, for years. So we design every detail of the Totton unit around comfort, dignity, and consistency.

Close to home

Sitting on Testwood Lane in the heart of Totton, the unit means Southampton residents don't have to travel into the acute hospital for every session. Less travel, less fatigue, more of your day back.

NHS-trust run

Provided and run by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust — the same clinical governance, the same multi-disciplinary renal team, the same standards as the main hospital, just closer to where you live.

Built for routine

From the chairs you sit in to the team you see each visit, everything is calibrated for repeat comfort. You'll know your nurses by name — and they'll know exactly how you like your session.

A Typical Session

Four hours, three times a week — made as easy as we can.

We know a dialysis session is a serious commitment. Here's how a typical visit to the Totton unit unfolds, from arrival to heading home.

Arrival · 0 min

Settle in

You're welcomed by name, weighed in, and shown to your regular chair. Tea, blanket, the chair adjusted just how you like it.

Pre-treatment · 15 min

Access & checks

A renal nurse reviews blood pressure and today's prescription, then prepares your vascular access using full sterile technique.

Dialysis · ~4 hrs

Your time

The machine does its work while you read, watch TV, nap, or chat. Nursing staff monitor continuously and check in regularly.

Disconnection · final 15 min

Home safely

Final observations, disconnection, and a quick debrief. Most patients walk out feeling ready to get on with the rest of their day.

What to Bring

The small things that make four hours feel shorter.

Patient Essentials Comfortable dialysis chair with a folded blanket, reading materials and a personal item bag prepared for a patient's session at Totton Renal Dialysis Unit.

Comfortable dialysis chair with a folded blanket, reading materials and a personal item bag prepared for a patient's session at Totton Renal Dialysis Unit.

Your medication list

Bring an up-to-date list of your current prescriptions, including phosphate binders and blood pressure tablets.
Something to pass the time

A book, tablet, headphones, knitting — anything that helps you settle. Free patient Wi-Fi is available throughout the unit.
Comfortable layers

The unit is temperature-controlled but patients often feel cool during treatment. A jumper or small blanket helps.
A companion, if you'd like

Family members or carers are welcome to stay. There's a dedicated waiting area just outside the treatment floor.

Good to Know

Questions patients often ask first.

Don't see your question here? The team is happy to talk through anything on the phone before your first visit.

How do I get referred to Totton Dialysis Unit?

Referrals come through your renal consultant at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. If you're currently travelling to Queen Alexandra Hospital for dialysis and would prefer a community setting closer to Southampton, mention Totton to your consultant team — they'll assess whether it's clinically suitable for you.

What are the unit's opening hours?

The unit runs scheduled dialysis sessions Monday to Saturday, including early morning, afternoon, and evening slots to fit around work and family life. Your specific session time is allocated by the clinical team based on capacity and your treatment plan.

Is parking available on site?

Yes — there is dedicated patient parking at the Testwood Lane site, including accessible bays close to the entrance. Parking arrangements can be discussed with the unit coordinator when your sessions are confirmed.

What if I feel unwell during a session?

Every chair is monitored continuously by trained renal nursing staff, and the unit operates under the full clinical governance of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. If you feel unwell — dizzy, cold, short of breath — flag it immediately. Nurses can pause or adjust your treatment within moments.

Can I eat or drink during dialysis?

Light snacks and drinks are usually fine, but it depends on your fluid and dietary restrictions. Your renal dietitian will give you specific guidance — please follow it closely, as fluid intake directly affects how your treatment goes.

How do I raise a concern or complaint?

You can speak directly with the unit manager, or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. PALS offers confidential advice and support to resolve concerns quickly — see the contact section for details.

Find Us · Say Hello

On Testwood Lane, easy to reach from across Southampton.

Part of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Address

Testwood Lane, Totton,
Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 3ZN

Telephone

Call the unit directly to speak with the nursing team or unit coordinator during opening hours.

Patient Advice (PALS)

Confidential support via Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust PALS.

Delivered by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Getting here

Testwood Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 3ZN · Open in maps →

By car On-site patient parking, including accessible bays.

By bus Testwood Lane is served by local Southampton & Totton routes.

By train Totton railway station is a short taxi ride away.

Kidney care,
rooted in Totton.