ONGOING water problems postponed treatment at Colchester Dialysis Unit - but patients applauded dedicated staff for doing “everything in their power” to avert a crisis.

Patients were diverted to Clacton and Ipswich dialysis centres last Friday amidst the troubles which needed emergency repair.

A spokesman for the overarching East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust thanked people for their understanding.

Those affected said nurses did their best in a stressful situation but that water issues need to be resolved.

Dialysis patient Gail Oliver, also chairman of Colchester Kidney Patients Association, said: “Staff did everything within their power but the water is an ongoing problem.

“Nurses and the manager went over to Clacton which was could treat people at full capacity because fortunately, it didn’t have any patients beforehand.

“Renal nurses are a very dedicated bunch because they realise how important it is.

“Dialysis is a lifeline.”

The Diaverum UK-run site also manages Clacton’s satellite unit in Kennedy Way, which opened a week ago, Gail explained.

She has dialysis three days a week and said the delay will have inconvenienced tired patients, especially if they had arranged transport to take them to and from the hospital.

Although she was not one of the 40 patients affected, she speaks highly of the unit.

She said: “It’s a wonderful service which mean 120 patients a week are treated locally.

“I used to have to travel to Basildon before Colchester Dialysis Unit was opened and know a patient in Mersea who travels to Norwich.

“Staff did everything they could but the water remains a problem.”

In December, the trust had to postpone treatment for 40 eye patients after there was an infection control issue at the primary care centre which led to a theatre being temporarily closed.

Speaking on the recent issue, a spokesman confirmed patients were treated either later in the day or on Saturday.

They added: “We sincerely apologise to the people who were affected and thank them for their patience and understanding.

“The nursing team worked with two of our regional clinics to ensure patients were offered alternative treatment appointments while repairs were carried out.

“The issue was reported quickly and was urgently fixed by specialist engineers.”