NKF - National Kidney Federation

It takes just 2 minutes to confirm that you want to be an organ donor, and you could save up to nine lives. 🩷

It's great to see Shae's Jeune syndrome Journey installation to celebrate Organ Donation Week! 💗

Confirm your decision to be an organ donor here:https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/donate/ It’s the best thing you’ll do today. NHS Organ Donation

Organ Donation Week: 30 years of remarkable donors, their families and life-saving legacies🩷

Since the NHS Organ Donor Register was introduced in 1994, tens of thousands of lives have been transformed thanks to the selflessness of donors and their families.

This (23-29 September) is a time to celebrate those life-changing gifts and raise awareness of the 7,500+ people still waiting for a transplant today. Over 80% of those waiting is in need of a kidney.

📣You have the power to save lives. Learn more and share your decision today: www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/

💻You can also view our wide range of organ donation and transplantation resources here: www.kidney.org.uk/organ-donation-and-transplantation

Word of the Week... Vasculitis📣

Vasculitis is a medical term for inflammation of blood vessels. It can be caused by infection, drugs and associated with malignancy. But most commonly an auto-immune disease, i.e. the body’s immune system attacks blood vessels causing swelling and resulting organ damage.

If you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff ring the free to call number 0800 169 0936.

The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8.30 am – 12.30 pm on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected].

Learn more here: www.kidney.org.uk/vasculitis

🌟NEW for September🌟 Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Pruritus (CKD-aP)

Itchy skin (also known as Pruritus) is a common problem in people who have kidney disease. It affects nearly all patients with advanced kidney disease at some point in their kidney journey.

Itching can vary from being mild and only happening occasionally, to severe and constant in some patients. In fact, itching can disrupt your sleep and mood in severe cases, with a negative impact on your quality of life. This leaflet is designed to help you understand more about itching, how to manage it and the potential treatments available.

To request your free copy, or if you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff, ring our free-to-call number.

The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8.30 am – 12.30 pm

☎️0800 169 09 36
🖥[email protected]

The National Kidney Federation is in Manchester for the Annual Dialysis Conference ! It was fantastic to attend DAYLife's session on home dialysis and hear about NKF's active involvement and ongoing campaign to promote home dialysis.

Various health conditions can lead to fatigue, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated complications.

Join us for our next webinar 'Fatigue with kidney disease' 🥱

The fatigue webinar will be presented by Lisa Ancliffe, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, Renal and Urology Therapy Team at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Vice President of The UK Kidney Association.

📅Wednesday 16th October
🕔5PM

Secure your FREE place today at www.kidney.org.uk/Event/nkf-webinar-series

Curious about the DAYLife programme? Visit our partners the UK Kidney Association, National Kidney Federation, Kidney Care UK, and Fresenius at today’s Dialysis Society Conference in Manchester for more information.

📣Meet guest speakers Alison Richards and Jayne Davis who'll be joining us at this years Annual Patients' Event on 25th & 26th October 2024 📣

Alison and Jayne will discuss their knowledge on being renal social workers – the role, tips and strategies.

Alison began her career as a Renal Social Worker in 2009 in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital. In 2013 she transferred this role to Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital, where she continues to enjoy supporting patients aged 18 and over, family members, carers and colleagues. Covering subject matters such as benefits, housing, debt, grants and care in the home, amongst many other fundamental issues.

For the past 10 years, Jayne has enjoyed working at the renal unit in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital, in North Wales. Drawing on all her previous experience for the role as renal social worker. This involves supporting individuals with renal disease, their families, carers and support networks. Helping them navigate the difficult and often complex journey from diagnosis to treatment options and much more. The support offered can cover a whole range of practical and emotional support dealing with the many and varied difficulties patients face.

There's still time to secure your place ‼️ Go, go, go...

www.kidney.org.uk/Event/national-kidney-federation-annual-patients-event-2024

Whilst we're used to receiving healthcare when we go into hospital, we often feel better when we're supported in taking an active role in looking after ourselves, with guidance from professionals.

If you require regular haemodialysis treatment in hospital or at a haemodialysis centre, you have the option to learn about, practice, and even become proficient at performing some of the tasks yourself.

“I have greatly benefited from participating in Shared Haemodialysis Care at my unit, as it has given me a sense of independence and control over my treatment. The nurses have been incredibly supportive, and I am thankful that I was informed about Shared Haemodialysis Care. I was more than willing to get involved.” – Nichola

Learn more about 'Shared HD Care' here: www.kidney.org.uk/shared-haemodialysis-care

In just a few days, the UK Kidney Association, National Kidney Federation, Kidney Care UK, and Fresenius will be present at the Dialysis Society event, taking place from September 18th to 20th in Manchester! If you want to learn more about the DAYLife programme, be sure to stop by and connect with our partners. See you there!

We NEED new MP's for membership of the All-Party Parliamentary Kidney Group!

How can you help?

📃We have provided a template letter to get you started, on the NKF’s website: www.kidney.org.uk/all-party-parliamentary-group.

Only your local MP can respond to you, so please check here if you’re not sure: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons.

💻You can contact your MP via their parliamentary email address or send it as a letter. It is helpful if you personalise the letter template with your own experience, as this will help your MP understand the effects of kidney disease, and be supportive. Please make sure to include your address on any correspondence, so your MP knows you live in their constituency.

Please do let us know if your MP offers to support the APPKG by emailing [email protected].

Your help to reach out to your MP can make a difference and help us to make future changes for the benefit of patients with kidney disease 🤝

Learn more about the APPKG here - www.kidney.org.uk/all-party-parliamentary-group

Annual Patients' Event - 25th & 26th October 2024 📅

Guest speaker - Patricia Gooden will be discussing how peer support helps home therapies at 11:30 - 11:55 👇

"I made a pledge many years ago, that I will never knowingly allow any other kidney patient to go through what I went through when I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Just over a decade ago, there was hardly any education on kidney failure or dialysis and at times I was even given incorrect information!

My mantra is 'no one knows a kidney patient like a kidney patient’. I understand what you are going through, I have been through dialysis, I have had the doubts… the worry… the fear. I do what I do to take away some of the anxieties you may have in the early stages of your diagnosis. Please use our Peer Support Service, we are here for you!"

Secure your place today before it's too late: https://www.kidney.org.uk/Event/national-kidney-federation-annual-patients-event-2024

This October, we’re challenging YOU to give up chocolate for an entire month! Join the Challenge and make a real difference in the lives of kidney patients and their families.🍫

Why take the challenge?
🧡Raise vital funds for kidney patients.
☎Support vital patient services.
🤝Fund campaigns that benefit those living with kidney disease.
It’s easy to get started!

SIGN UP – It’s FREE!
FUNDRAISE – Set up your JustGiving page and start gathering support.
SHARE YOUR JOURNEY – Tell us why you’re taking on and inspire others!
Whether you’re a chocoholic or just up for a challenge, this is your chance to make a difference! 💪

Join us from 1st – 31st October. Sign up today and help us support those who need it most.

👉 JOIN THE CHALLENGE TODAY! www.kidney.org.uk/choctober

Word of the week 📣 Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR)

Albumin is one of the major proteins in the blood and is normally found in very low concentrations in the urine, as it is too large to be filtered by the kidneys.

Learn more about kidney disease at: https://www.kidney.org.uk/what-is-kidney-disease

If you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff, ring our free-to-call number.

The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8.30 am – 12.30 pm on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected]

"A teenage girl was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure after suffering from flu-like symptoms for three months.

Lilly wants to help others in her situation and has aspirations to meet the prime minister."

Read Lilly's inspiring story here:

Kidney failure patient shares warning about life-changing condition Lilly was put in an induced coma and rushed to intensive care in Bristol.

Did you know? At the National Kidney Federation (NKF), we’re the only national kidney charity in the UK run by kidney patients, for kidney patients! This year, we’re also celebrating 25 incredible years of our free-to-call Helpline. 🎉

Alongside our Helpline, we provide the largest collection of kidney-related leaflets - over 200 titles, all written and reviewed by healthcare professionals in simple, patient-friendly language to support you and your loved ones.

With just 11 full-time office staff, we rely on the generosity of our supporters through donations, sponsorships, and legacies. By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help us continue making a lasting difference to the lives of kidney patients.

Learn more: www.kidney.org.uk/legacy-giving

Organ Donation Week takes place on 23rd - 29th September 2024. We want to hear your stories 🧡

Is there a special moment or opportunity you wouldn't have experienced without your transplant?

Tell us your story whether that be getting to finally go to university, holding your grandchildren, whatever the moment, no matter how big or small, we want to celebrate it and share the importance of organ donation this September. Share your special moments by emailing [email protected].

We also want to hear from live donors, if you would like to share your experience about donating a kidney, please contact the above.

www.kidney.org.uk/Blogs/your-stories

The UK Kidney Association, National Kidney Federation, Kidney Care UK, and Fresenius will be attending the upcoming Dialysis Society conference in Manchester from September 18th to 20th! If you’re interested in learning more about DAYLife, make sure to visit our amazing partners who will be on hand to provide all the details.

⏰ Not long to go – secure your place today ⏰

Our Annual Patients’ Event is fast approaching on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport.

🌟 Connect with like-minded families.
🍽 Enjoy a fun social evening with a hot buffet and quiz.
🎤 Gain insights from kidney care experts and guest speakers.
📚 Explore the latest innovations with exhibitors.

Spaces are filling up fast – secure your place today! - www.kidney.org.uk/Event/national-kidney-federation-annual-patients-event-2024

As we approach the annual dialysis conference taking place in Manchester from September 18th to 20th, we're excited to give you a preview of what the National Kidney Federation stand has in store for healthcare professionals. We'll provide a variety of dialysis leaflets that you can take away as well as order free of charge to be mailed directly to units. Plus, our team will be available to discuss our free helpline services.

A man who was inspired by his granddaughter to donate a kidney to a stranger has described meeting his recipient one year on as "surreal". Read the full story using the link below 👇

If you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff, ring our free-to-call number.

The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8.30 am – 12.30 pm on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected]

Kidney donor: Man who donated to a stranger meets recipient Stephen Topping, from Lurgan, met the woman he donated a kidney to one year after becoming a donor.

This Weekend’s Fundraisers! 🌟

Elly & Rob are two incredible supporters taking on huge challenges this weekend in support of the National Kidney Federation (NKF)!

💪 Elly will be tackling the historic Hadrian’s Wall, a 73-mile long Roman fortification stretching from coast to coast in Northern England.

🏃‍♂️ Rob is running the South Coast Ultra, a 100 km endurance race along the stunning yet challenging coastline. It’s a test of both physical and mental strength, pushing participants to their limits.

Their dedication is raising vital funds and awareness for kidney patients and their families across the UK. If you feel inspired and want to take on your own challenge to support NKF, we’d love to hear from you! 🙌

Get in touch today and email [email protected] together we can make a difference.

View more fundraising events here: www.kidney.org.uk/Pages/Events/Category/event?Take=17

Hypertension 📣

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. High blood pressure can constrict and narrow the blood vessels in your kidneys, which reduces blood flow and stops the kidneys from working well. Knowing your numbers means you can start making healthy lifestyle changes or start taking medicines if you need them to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level.

If you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff, ring our free-to-call number.

The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8.30 am – 12.30 pm on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected]

*NEW* for September - Employers' guide to chronic kidney disease (CKD) 🤝

Employers often have questions when an employee discloses this long-term condition, and this information leaflet aims to address those questions and alleviate any concerns, enabling you to offer optimal support to your employee.

To request your FREE copy please contact our helpline team using our free phone number 0800 169 09 36 or alternatively, email [email protected]

📣 DON'T MISS OUT, SECURE YOUR PLACE TODAY! 📣

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing kidney disease for years, you and your loved ones are warmly invited to join us at the NKF 2024 Annual Patients' Event on October 25th & 26th 📅

Discover our exciting programme and guest speakers here:

www.kidney.org.uk/Event/national-kidney-federation-annual-patients-event-2024

To book your place, get in touch by calling 01909 544 999 or visit our website using the link above.