Only 17% of kidney-failure patients registered in Aberdeen perform their own treatment at home, a charity said last night.
The National Kidney Federation released official NHS figures which showed that 205 out of 247 people from across the north-east attend hospital to have toxins removed from their blood by dialysis machines.
Chief executive Timothy Statham said it would be more cost-effective for NHS Grampian if more patients underwent treatment at home.
He added that home dialysis is clinically accepted to be as effective as hospital dialysis and in many instances it is better for patient health, and costs half as much for the NHS to provide.
The charity has teamed up with dialysis equipment manufacturer Baxters Healthcare to launch the I’d Rather Be At Home campaign.
It said that a recent study showed home automated peritoneal dialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis machines were found to cost £21,655 and £15,570 a year per patient respectively.
In comparison, it costs £35,023 a year per patient for hospital-based haemo- dialysis and £32,700 for satellite unit-based haemodialysis.
Mr Statham said: “Dialysis at home through either peritoneal dialysis or home haemodialysis brings many benefits for patients who are suitable for this form of treatment.
“By not having to travel to hospital three times a week for their treatment it means that they benefit from having more time at home with family and friends, and the ability to continue to work and travel.”
Liberal Democrat public health spokesman Jamie Stone said: “For those living in the remotest areas, where even getting to the nearest hospital can be difficult, there is a real need to provide dialysis at home.”
A spokesman for NHS Grampian said the decision on the best type of treatment is always discussed with patients.
“Aberdeen has pre-dialysis nurses who discuss the range of treatments available with individual patients, and also hold group information sessions for those nearing treatment, and their carers,” he added.
“If patients express an interest in undertaking home haemodialysis, then this is discussed and the practicality explored.
“This would include the suitability of their accommodation and if they have a partner able to assist them.”
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the decision to provide home dialysis is a clinical one, not geographical, but the Scottish Government believes services should be provided as locally as possible.
“In terms of dialysis, there has been a great emphasis on developing satellite units so that people can get dialysis as near to home or work as possible,” she added.