News

National Kidney Federation launches new nationwide peer support system

The National Kidney Federation (NKF) has recently launched a nationwide peer support service, which provides short-term practical, emotional and social support to those with kidney disease, their families or carers. The service will support those who have experienced home dialysis themselves, carers wanting to support other people with kidney disease, particularly those who are just starting to use home dialysis therapies, or those that are considering doing so.

The peer support service, now live across the UK, offers a one-to-one chat service with NKF’s trained peer supporters, where people can share home dialysis queries, similar life experiences and lifestyle stories. The service can be accessed virtually over the phone, via zoom and moving forward, face-to-face sessions will also be available.

This is a part of the NFK’s campaign to promote the use of home dialysis within the UK. Research from the UK Renal Registry showed that patients who dialysed at home were at a considerably lower risk of contracting Covid-19, in comparison to those who dialysed in a hospital, a subject discussed in more detail during the NKF’s recent webinar and report.

Home dialysis is empowering and gives patients control over their own treatment.

Here at Fresenius Medical Care UK, we support NKF in their campaign for an increase in home dialysis to protect patients. Home dialysis can be an empowering treatment option for many kidney patients, giving them a better quality of life and allowing them more control over their schedules. Many of our patients have reported that home dialysis gives them a great deal of flexibility and precious time to spend with their families. Many even create meaningful bonds with carers on their own time.

For those undergoing dialysis at home, or considering dialysis at home, being able to talk to others who have similar experiences to your own is absolutely invaluable – especially when you don’t have anyone around you who shares your experience with chronic kidney disease. If you are looking for support or know someone who might be, we urge you to consider the NKF Peer Support Service.