NKF - National Kidney Federation

07/01/2026

As the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) looks ahead to 2025–26, we are pleased that kidney disease is recognised as one of its eight priority health areas for 2026.

Kidney disease is the tenth biggest killer worldwide and projected to be the fifth leading cause of premature mortality by 2040. It is one of the UK’s fastest growing health crises, affecting over 7 million people in the UK and is closely linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Yet, early intervention and detection can delay or prevent progression to kidney failure and better access to innovative medications and care can dramatically improve outcomes.

At the National Kidney Federation, we believe that a national strategy on kidney disease is needed and are calling on the government to commit to a kidney disease Modern Service Framework, and we welcome NICE’s announcement to prioritise kidney disease in their work this year.

Kidney disease is the tenth biggest killer worldwide and projected to be the fifth leading cause of premature mortality by 2040. It is one of the UK’s fastest-growing health crises, affecting over 7 million people in the UK and is closely linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Yet, early intervention and detection can delay or prevent progression to kidney failure, and better access to innovative medications and care can dramatically improve outcomes.

06/01/2026

"Why I donated a kidney to a stranger."

Brian Cross, 45, from Prescot, Merseyside, explains why he made the selfless decision to donate a kidney to someone he didn't know.

Read Brian's story here: https://www.theguardian.com/out-of-the-ordinary/2026/jan/05/why-i-donated-a-kidney-to-a-stranger

For more information on living kidney donation, please visit:
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/become-a-living-donor/donating-your-kidney/what-is-living-kidney-donation/

Brian Cross, 45, from Prescot, Merseyside, explains why he made the selfless decision to donate a kidney to someone he didn’t know

06/01/2026

Is dialysis new to you or someone you know? 🤔

Perfect for anyone recently diagnosed with kidney disease, our newly revamped Patient Support Pack is designed to help you understand your condition, explore treatment options, and learn about dialysis.

This updated Patient Support Pack:
✍️Provides essential info on kidney disease
✍️Explains treatment options clearly
✍️Shares how the NKF can provide free patient support for anyone affected by kidney disease

📘 How to get your FREE printed copy:
Call our NKF Helpline: 0800 169 09 36
Or email: helpline@kidney.org.uk

05/01/2026

We will be hosting a free webinar on Potential Organs for Transplantation, exploring progress in organ transplantation across the UK on Wednesday 14 January ⏰ 5pm.

Our guest speakers from NHS Blood and Transplant will explore the progress in using more potential organs for transplantation in the UK, steps being taken to increase organ utilisation rates and information that kidney patients may find helpful when considering organ utilisation.

The session will include guest speakers Dhiru Galani, Prof John Forsythe, OBE, Senior Clinical Co-Chair (ISOU), DHSC and Prof Derek Manas, Medical Director, Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation (OTDT), NHSBT. The webinar will be chaired by Anthony Clarkson, Director OTDT, NHSBT and Kirit Modi, MBE, Hon President, NKF.

Register your free place today: www.kidney.org.uk/Event/nkf-webinar-series

01/01/2026

Happy New Year's From the NKF Team🎆

28/12/2025

Keep your eyes open, your feet warm and get ready for a big announcement coming in early 2026 🗓️

25/12/2025

We’d like to wish everyone a merry Christmas from the NKF Team🎄❄️

Have an amazing rest of the year!

24/12/2025

Our Helpline will close on the afternoon of Wednesday, 24th December 2025.

If you need help or support during the Christmas period, please take a look at our Helpline leaflets page, which may be of use to you: www.kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets

We will be back in the New Year from 08:30 am on Friday, 2nd January 2026.

We realise that Christmas isn’t always a wonderful time of the year for everyone, and if you feel you need to reach out to someone over the festive period, here are some useful numbers of charities who are there to help.

Age UK - www.ageuk.org.uk
A charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.
Contact: 0800 678 1602 lines are open 8am – 7pm, 365 days a year.

Carers UK - https://www.carersuk.org/
Caring for a family member or someone else close to you?
Carers UK are there for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support, and also campaign to make life better for carers.

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - www.thecalmzone.net/
Call 0800 58 58 58 open 5pm till midnight every day.

Contact – www.contact.org.uk
A national charity that supports the families of children with additional needs in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Call 0808 808 3555 open Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 5pm.

Crisis - www.crisis.org.uk/
A national charity for people experiencing homelessness.

The Salvation Army - www.salvationarmy.org.uk/

Samaritans – www.samaritans.org/
Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need somebody to talk to or a listening ear.
Call 116 123 open 24 hours every day

Shout 85258 - https://giveusashout.org/
For free, confidential text support. Open 24 hours a day.
Text 85258

The Silver Line - www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Call 0800 470 80 90 a free, confidential telephone service run by Age UK, providing friendship, conversation and support for older people. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

23/12/2025

Do drinks feel harder when you’re managing kidney disease?

For many renal patients, alcohol and social pressure can make fluid limits especially tough at Christmas.

You don’t have to miss out completely. Small choices can help you stay in control while still enjoying time with friends 🎄

Tips that may help you manage fluid intake over the holidays:

• Drink slowly and take small sips. Choose a drink you can sip, not gulp (beer can be harder to manage).
• Skip the ice – it all counts as extra fluid.
• Miss every other “round” to reduce how much you drink overall.
• Save fluid by drinking the minimum amount the day before a pub trip.
• Avoid salty snacks, which can make you feel more thirsty.
• Add extra lemon – it may help ease thirst.
Everyone’s limits are different, and it’s okay to do what feels right for you. If you need support, we’re here 💙
Learn More kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor or renal dietitian.

Or call our free Kidney Helpline for support

Our Helpline is open from Monday to Thursday: 08:30 am - 5:00 pm and Friday: 08:30 am - 12:30 pm.

22/12/2025

We’ve launched 9 brand new Easy Read booklets, designed to explain kidney information using:

• Simple words
• Clear pictures
• Step-by-step explanations

They’re ideal if you want information that’s easier to follow, or if you’re supporting someone with kidney disease.
Explore the full Easy Read booklet series and find the topics that matter to you.

👉 Find out more at: https://www.kidney.org.uk/easy-read-information-for-kidney-patients

21/12/2025

Small changes can make a big difference to your kidney health and blood pressure.

Try simple kidney-healthy swaps like:

• Pepper, fresh herbs, spices or lemon/lime instead of salt in cooking

• Keeping salt away from the table so you’re less likely to add it

• Choosing low salt options like vegetable juices instead of salty stock cubes

• Swapping processed meats (like bacon and sausages) for leaner white meats (like chicken and turkey)

👉 Learn More kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor or renal dietitian.

📞 Or call our free Kidney Helpline for support

Our Helpline is open from Monday to Thursday: 08:30 am - 5:00 pm and Friday: 08:30 am - 12:30 pm.

20/12/2025

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 online: https://www.kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets
Call our Freephone Helpline: 0800 169 09 36

Our Helpline is open from Monday to Thursday: 08:30 am - 5:00 pm and Friday: 08:30 am - 12:30 pm.