Useful Information and Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains the following information (click to jump to each section):

Frequently Asked Questions | Useful Links | Maps and Directions | Addenbrooke's Contacts

AKPA Handbook

The AKPA handbook contains a wealth of information for Addenbrooke's kidney patients. You can get a PDF copy by clicking here. (This will open a new window.) To get the software required to read PDF files click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes there is a lot of information to take in during a visit to the hospital or clinic. Also, relatives and friends may have questions and concerns. We have tried to provide enough information on pages about kidney disease, dialysis and transplant to answer any questions you may have about these matters. If you have a specific medical enquiry this must be dealt with by the medical team at Addenbrooke’s (see contact list below).

We have produced a list of commonly asked general questions relating to treatment at Addenbrooke's which we have tried to answer as fully as possible. If you have any other questions or would like to see further information added to this list, please contact questions@akpa.org.uk.

How do I get to Addenbrooke's?

Extensive travel information can be found on the Addenbrooke's Website by clicking here. (This will open a new window).

Where Can I park at Addenbrooke's?

Parking at Addenbrooke's has recently undergone major change. The latest information is available on the Addenbrooke's website by clicking here.

Outpatients

Patients with appointments in the Outpatients Department should park in the Main Hospital Car Park. Concessionary tickets are available. Click here for more information.

Dialysis

There is specially allocated parking for dialysis patients. It is located right next to the rear entrance of the Dialysis Unit. You will need a permit to park in these spaces which is available from the dialysis unit.

Transplant

You are unlikely to be able to drive for four to six weeks following a transplant and should try to bear this in mind when making your way to the hospital. Seek advice from the transplant co-ordinators about the best place to leave your car should it be necessary to bring it in.

Disabled Parking

There are a number of parking spaces close to the hospital entrances that are designated for those who are registered disabled. For further information please click here.

Visitors

There are a number of visitor car parks on the Addenbrooke's site. For more information on these, including parking costs, please click here. If you a frequent visitor to a long-term patient there is further information available here.

Where is Addenbrooke's Dialysis Unit?

Addenbrooke's Dialysis Unit is located opposite the hospital's main entrance.

Click here for a larger, more detailed map.

Where can I get information about dialysis at Addenbrooke's?

There is a newly published booklet about Addenbrooke's Dialysis Units called A Patient's Guide to Haemodialysis. An online version is available here. You can also get a copy by asking in the Dialysis Unit.

Where can I get information about transplants at Addenbrooke's?

Information on transplants is available on the Cambridge Transplant Website. Click here for the section on kidney transplants. Information about your stay in hospital when you have a transplant can be found on the Ward C9 page by clicking here. Both links will open in a new window.

What shops and services are available at Addenbrooke's?

There is a number of shops and other services available at Addenbrooke's, both on the concourse through the main hospital entrance and also near the outpatients' entrance and the Rosie Maternity Hospital entrance. Further information is available from the Addenbrooke's website by clicking here. (This will open a new window).

I am having a transplant. Can my relatives stay on site?

There is a guest house on the Addenbrooke's site, near the dialysis unit, called Pemberton House. You will usually need to book in advance (although this is obviously difficult given the nature of transplants!) However, if there is no space they have advice about nearby accommodation. Click here for information on Pemberton House. (This will open a new window). A map showing the location of Pemberton House will be available here soon.

Are there any childcare facilities at Addenbrooke's?

There is a play service located in the Outpatients' Department. They can take care of your children while you are attending an outpatient appointment. Further information is available from the Addenbrooke's website by clicking here. (This will open a new window).

I am too ill to work. Is there anyone at Addenbrooke's who can help me?

Advice is available from a number of sources. There is a Renal Welfare Officer (funded by AKPA) who can be found in the dialysis unit. Her name is Barbara Irving and her telephone number is 01223 714415. There also is a Citizens Advice Bureau within the PALS office (see below). 

Is there anyone I can speak to if I need advice or have concerns about my care?

There is a service based just inside the main entrance of the hospital called Patient Advice and Liaison Services or PALS. Its purpose is to provide help, advice and support and also to act as an advocate if you are worried about any aspect of your care. More information can be found on the Addenbrooke's website by clicking here. (This will open a new window).

Useful Links

Below is a list websites that provide information which we hope you will find relevant and useful. (These will all open a new window).

Addenbrooke's Pages

Renal Services
Transplant Unit
Ward C5 (Renal Ward)
Ward C9 (Transplant Ward)
Renal Genetics
Cambridge Transplant website
Travel & Maps
Hospital Transport Services
WRVS
Concourse, Shops & Services
Pemberton house - onsite accommodation for relatives of patients
Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS)

Children in Outpatients

Chaplaincy

Kidney Patient Information Leaflets
Patient Factsheets - a library of all published Addenbrooke's Patient Information Leaflets

Kidney Organisation Websites

National Kidney Federation (NKF)
Kidney Research UK
Kidney Patient Guide
British Kidney Patients Association

Disease Specific Websites

The Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity

Diabetes UK

Kidney Cancer UK
Lupus UK

Health and Well-being

Baxter Renal

Patient.co.uk Guides

BJRM Patient Information Leaflets

Medic Alert

Sun Protective Clothing:

  NoZone

  Sun Togs

Maps and Directions

Addenbrooke's Travel Helpline: 01223 586655

Addenbrooke's postcode (for online map searches or satellite navigation) is CB2 0QQ. It was previously CB2 2QQ so this postcode may be necessary for older navigation systems.

Getting to Addenbrooke's

Addenbrooke's Site Map (including Car Parks)

Addenbrooke's Location Map

Park and Ride

Addenbrooke's Renal Contacts

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