FARNHAM Hospital's 'jewel in the crown' renal dialysis unit is set to close next year, amid fresh concerns over the financial viability of the community hospital.

The dialysis unit was seen as a key asset of the new Farnham Hospital upon its unveiling by the Countess of Wessex in 2004, and its imminent closure represents a significant blow for patients.

Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust, which has operated the dialysis unit for the past decade, plans to relocate the unit to a new £1.2m facility in Farnborough "to help meet the increasing demand for renal replacement therapy across the county".

However, the dialysis unit's departure has fuelled speculation about Farnham Hospital's financial viability, following the closure of its mental health and social services units in recent years.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.