In March, Diaverum Portugal launched its first ‘Mobility and Holidays Week’. Implemented across 28 clinics nationwide, the initiative was designed with a meaningful purpose: to raise awareness among patients, families, and clinical teams about the possibilities of mobility in dialysis, while providing clear information and fostering confidence & safety.
For many patients, travelling can feel financially or emotionally out of reach. By reframing the concept and introducing the broader notion of ‘mobility’, Diaverum Portugal opened the conversation to a more inclusive and realistic perspective. Mobility can mean visiting family, attending important life events, travelling for work, or, when possible, taking holidays. This shift proved essential in engaging patients who might otherwise feel excluded.
The initiative was delivered with strong involvement from social workers, nurses, administrative teams, and other members of the multidisciplinary teams, reflecting a shared purpose and a genuine commitment to patient-centred care.
The week was launched under the theme “Mobility: where I have been, where I would like to go”. Through simple visual elements in waiting areas - such as maps and images - and interactive questions, mobility was introduced in an inclusive and accessible way. Patients were encouraged to reconnect with their personal stories and aspirations - whether returning to their hometown, visiting loved ones, attending significant events, travelling for work, or taking holidays - and to rediscover that mobility remains an important part of their lives.
Following this, two subthemes were explored, translating awareness into action:
- Travelling within Portugal
This theme focused on demonstrating that mobility within the country is not only possible, but also achievable and well supported. Patients learned about Diaverum’s local clinic network, “Let’s Travel Together”- Diaverum Portugal’s initiative organising annual group trips for dialysis patients and their caregivers within the country - Portugal’s ‘Welcome Packs’, the option of travelling to clinics outside the Diaverum network, and the continuous support provided by the home clinic throughout the entire process.
These topics were delivered through short, informal, and practical sessions, including contributions from mobility ambassadors (patients) who shared their personal experiences. Their perspectives brought authenticity, built trust, and inspired others to see mobility as both realistic and attainable.
- Travelling abroad: information for safe mobility
This theme aimed to demystify international travel and replace uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Patients were introduced to opportunities to travel across 25 countries and more than 460 clinics, the role of d.HOLIDAY coordinators, and the simple booking process - supported by clear explanations, open dialogue, and real-life testimonials.
From the patient perspective, the impact was significant. As one patient shared:
“This week meant a lot to me. I understood that it is possible to move safely, and that gives freedom not only to me, but also to my family”.
As a result, there was increased awareness and shared understanding among patients and families, greater openness to discussing mobility as part of routine care, a noticeable rise in requests for holiday dialysis - including international travel, higher enrolment in the “Let’s Travel Together” programme and strengthened collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, who came together with creativity, ownership, and a shared sense of purpose.
This initiative is a further testament to Diaverum’s True care culture and marks an important step towards embedding mobility as a natural and supported part of the dialysis journey - reinforcing that, even within the constraints of treatment, patients can continue living fulfilling lives.
Marta Olim, d.HOLIDAY coordinator for Diaverum Portugal, said: “This initiative generated strong engagement across our clinics, resulting in an outstanding level of participation and impact. It was highly rewarding to see how teams embraced the topic and how positively patients responded throughout the week. Most importantly, it reminded us that mobility is not only about travelling - it is about freedom, dignity, and hope”.
Elenor Mårtensson, Global Customer Manager for d.HOLIDAY, added: “At d.HOLIDAY, our mission is to make mobility safe, seamless, and accessible for every dialysis patient. We act as a dedicated concierge service, supporting every step of the travel journey - from planning and booking to ensuring continuity of care abroad. Initiatives like this are essential in helping patients understand what is possible and how to make it a reality”.
