A NEW £1million haemodialysis unit will be officially opened at Orsett Hospital this week.

The unit, which means people with kidney disease can have dialysis treatment closer to home, will treat up to 30 patients a day.

The facility opened to patients in May this year, after months of work to build a comfortable environment with ten haemodialysis stations, but will be officially opened on Friday, with health chiefs and local dignitaries present.

Patients with kidney conditions generally need dialysis for two to five hours, three to four times a week.