The National Kidney Federation (NKF) has been representing renal patients for over 40 years and is unique in being the only national charity run by kidney patients for kidney patients. We also run the only UK Helpline dedicated solely to patients and families with kidney conditions, but still only have 7 full times members of staff.
There are currently three million people with early stage chronic kidney disease in the UK, and a further 60,000 with end-stage – meaning they are either on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant.Kidney disease can affect anyone of any age, even from birth. Sheamus (in photo) has end-stage kidney failure and is waiting for a kidney transplant. Sarah Lincoln, Shaemus’ mother, said: “The NKF have been brilliant. We don’t know what we would’ve done without their Helpline and support.”
The National Kidney Patients HELPLINE and Information ServiceThe NKF Helpline has been taking calls from patients since 2001. Lines are open from 9am until 5pm and calls are answered directly by the Helpline advisers. Pauline and Stephen are fully trained advisers and will always endeavor to answer any questions that are put to them. They have built a vast knowledge of topics used to give the best quality information available. Stephen is a kidney patient and not only has vast kidney knowledge, but can speak as a patient, knowing first-hand what the caller may be experiencing. As well as medical information, Pauline and Stephen can provide assistance with travel insurance, benefits advice or information about the renal diet or holidays, and can signpost callers to the best quality specialist services available.
Patient Education The NKF offers a vast array of kidney related materials. We have 200 different leaflets covering all aspects of kidney disease, and these can be a lifeline to someone who has kidney disease and needs to know more about not only the disease, but what the implications are in the future for them and their family. We send out a quarterly magazine called ‘’Kidney Life’’ to all supporters, this is an upbeat publication that gives patients medical information and positive stories from other patients and families. We also send a monthly newsletter via email called In Touch. This gives readers an update on what’s going on in the renal community. All of this is sent out free of charge.
Please support us, so we can carry on supporting kidney patients and their families.
