Most haemodialysis patients receive their treatment in a specially designed renal center. The renal center may be within a hospital or in a satellite center situated within a housing estate.

Patients travel to the unit to use one of the unit's dialysis machines. During a dialysis treatment, patients may move about in their beds or recliner chairs but are not able to move around the renal unit. They can chat, read, work on crafts, or watch TV.

Nurses at the units prepare the equipment, insert the needles, and supervise the sessions. Patients need to be on a fixed schedule and must travel to the unit approximately three times a week.