KIDNEY patients can access life-saving dialysis closer to home after a new £2.5million specialist unit opened.

The Redbridge Renal Unit, located at King George Hospital in Goodmayes, opened today and will be operated by Barts Health NHS Trust.

It will treat 100 patients who currently have to travel to other areas of London to receive dialysis three times a week and will be open between 6am to midnight, six days a week.

Project Manager Helen Wensley said: "We wanted to create a bright, spacious and welcoming environment where patients could relax in their own personal space."