Diaverum UK has opened its new Bob Coward Renal Centre in Blackpool, further strengthening access to high-quality, life-enhancing renal care in the North West of England.
With an estimated 7.2 million people in the UK living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) — and demand for dialysis increasing year on year — the need for treatment continues to grow. The Bob Coward Renal Centre represents an important step in our mission to broaden access to high-quality renal care across the country and serve the UK renal community.
The new centre forms part of a contract awarded by Lancashire NHS Foundation Teaching Trust. Running until April 2032, it covers the provision of renal dialysis managed services, including nursing, consumables, equipment and facilities.
The Bob Coward Renal Centre - named after Dr Robert Alan Coward, a pioneering nephrologist in the UK who played a key role in establishing renal services in this region - includes 32 dialysis stations and will initially care for approximately 100 patients, with capacity to grow to around 130 as demand increases. The centre will be supported by a team of more than 20 staff, with plans to recruit additional team members as patient numbers grow.
The clinic includes dedicated stations for shared care patients, supporting Diaverum UK’s “Shared Care” initiative — a sustainable care model that empowers patients to take an active role in their dialysis treatment, with guidance from trained staff and a strong focus on safety.
In addition, the centre will welcome holiday dialysis patients through the d.HOLIDAY programme It is also our first clinic in the UK to include electric vehicle charging points, reflecting our broader commitment to modern, patient-centred facilities and sustainable care.
The opening of the Bob Coward Renal Centre brings the total number of Diaverum clinics in the UK to 36, including eight in the Northern region. Across the country, Diaverum cares for over 2,600 patients and delivers nearly 400,000 treatments each year, supporting the UK’s model of dialysis service delivery through a combination of hospital-based, community and independent centres.
Commenting on the opening, Zisis Sotiriou, Vice President International, said: “Our investment in a brand-new clinic in Blackpool demonstrates Diaverum’s long-term commitment to expanding access to high-quality renal care in the UK. This milestone supports our mission to enable chronic kidney disease patients to live fulfilling lives, while contributing to the sustainability of healthcare systems through clinical expertise, innovation and strong partnerships.”
Gavin Wright, Country Manager UK, shared: “This is an important step in strengthening our presence in the North West and ensuring more patients can access high-quality renal care closer to home. By expanding and modernising our services, we aim to create a welcoming, patient-centred environment that supports clinical excellence and an outstanding patient experience, while strengthening our role as a long-term trusted partner to the NHS.”
Dr. Beng So, Clinical Director for Renal Medicine Lancashire Teaching Hospitals FT, added: “This programme has been several years in the planning and execution. We are pleased to have worked closely with Diaverum to bring this state-of-the-art facility to the benefit of patients and the community of the Fylde coast. Bob Coward oversaw the expansion of renal services into the Fylde coast, recognising the needs of the community, a legacy we continue to honour”.
Compared to our earlier dialysis centres, the Bob Coward Renal Centre brings a whole host of new patient comfort, water and energy conservation measures into a modern healthcare facility, with scope to co-locate other specialty clinics so that more care can be delivered outside of hospitals and in the community”.
