First dialysis with us? Get ready step by step.
Here’s a simple guide to walk you through your very first holiday dialysis – safely, calmly, and with a smile.
We know very well that travelling while on dialysis requires a bit more organisation, but don’t worry – with a little extra information everything will go smoothly, and you’ll be able to enjoy your stay completely stress-free.
We’ve prepared a few tips for you to make your first stay and your first dialysis session at our Mucaria centres even lighter, safer, and more relaxed.
1. Before Departure: A Reminder Straight to Your Inbox
Shortly before your vacation, our holiday coordinator will contact you by email to confirm all the organizational details.
At that time, you will also receive the schedule of your dialysis sessions planned during your stay in Sicily.
This way, you can leave with peace of mind, already knowing everything that awaits you.
So… before you pack your suitcase, check your inbox! 😊
2. Transport to dialysis
Have you booked our transfer service?
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive all the details about the closest pick-up point near your accommodation (no more than 300 metres away – no early-morning treks!).
Morning shift: pick-up with the driver at about 7:15–7:20;
Afternoon shift: pick-up with the driver at about 13:15–13:20.
Remember… 🚗 Transport is shared: you’ll be travelling together with other patients.
⏱️ Estimated travel times to our dialysis centres:
From Trapani to the dialysis centre in Valderice: about 15-20 minutes;
From Castellammare del Golfo to the dialysis centre in Alcamo: about 15-20 minutes;
From San Vito Lo Capo to Valderice: about 35 minutes.
3. Medication: don’t forget anything!
Please make sure to bring all your medications – including those that must be administered during dialysis (e.g. EPO, iron, vitamin D, etc.).
Bring only the dose required for each individual session;
If any medication requires refrigeration, transport it in a special cooling bag.
Best practice: bring all your medications with you, ideally with a few extra days’ supply.
Also pack a list of your medications with names and instructions for use.
4. Upon arrival at the clinic
As soon as you arrive, you’ll find the attendance list in the waiting room – sign in and relax.
Our staff will call you by name when it’s your turn to enter the dialysis room:
Morning shift – dialysis starts at 8:00;
Afternoon shift – dialysis starts at 14:00.
5. First dialysis with us? Or do you have questions? Visit first our tourist office!
We’re here to make you feel at home – even if you are hundreds of kilometres away from it.
On the ground floor you’ll find our tourist office – "a welcome corner":
Booked your accommodation with us? – You can make your payment directly at the office.
Need tourist information? – We provide it in up to 12 languages.
We’ll recommend the best restaurants, beaches, local events, and authentic places worth discovering during your stay.You’ll receive a welcome pack, including Wi-Fi access to use during dialysis – because we want you to feel comfortable online too. :)
You may also bring your headphones – each dialysis station has its own TV. During your session you can watch TV, Netflix, YouTube, listen to music… whatever you like!
Or simply enjoy a good book.
6. What to wear? Comfort comes first
Wear comfortable and light clothing, especially for your first dialysis, during which:
Blood tests will be taken (blood count and blood gas analysis);
An ECG will be performed – don’t worry, this is standard procedure!
If you’d like to change clothes, on the third floor you’ll find changing rooms with lockers.
6. In the dialysis room: we’ll take care of you
The dialysis room is located on the second floor.
At each dialysis session you will be welcomed by our dialysis room coordinator, who will:
Collect your documentation;
Guide you through the admission process to the centre (including signing consents for privacy policy, patient rights, hemodialysis treatment, etc.);
Check all your parameters with you before starting dialysis, review your dry weight, and update your medical chart if necessary;
Show you the station prepared for your dialysis sessions.
7. Dialysis bed with built-in scale:
In our dialysis unit, every patient has a comfortable bed – adjustable, with disposable linen, and above all… it also functions as a scale!
Watch out for extras - To weigh yourself correctly:
Wait until the staff reset the bed’s scale
Remove your bag, jacket, and all other items – only you should be on the scale :)
We’ll guide you through everything – don’t worry. Just remember that you’ll be weighed a little later, not immediately upon entering the dialysis room.
9. Snack during dialysis? Why not!
During your dialysis session, you’ll be offered:
A sandwich (ham and cheese);
Coffee or tea;
A bottle of water.
Would you prefer to bring your favourite snack? No problem!
So… ready to begin?
Sicily awaits you with its sunshine, hospitality, and stunning landscapes…
And we are here to accompany you every step of the way – from planning your dialysis, through transport, to your accommodation.
We wish you a calm, safe, and relaxing stay!
The “Holiday Dialysis” Team – Mucaria Dialysis Centres
