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  • Helpline Information & Leaflets

Helpline Information & Leaflets

The NKF Helpline is the UK’s largest provider since 1999 of kidney-related medical information leaflets, offering over 200 titles written by nephrologists for patients and carers and is open Monday to Friday 08:30 am – 5:00 pm Friday 08:30 am – 12:30 pm,

The Helpline is staffed by Linda and Stephen, highly trained advisers with personal experience. Stephen, a twice-transplanted kidney patient who has also been on dialysis, not only possesses in-depth knowledge about kidney-related matters but can also empathise with callers on a personal level. Linda, a former carer for her late husband with kidney disease, brings a unique perspective and has previous experience as an advocacy officer for kidney patients.

Whether you require a single leaflet for yourself, or bulk quantities for a renal unit, hospital or Kidney Patient Association, please call  the NKF Helpline on 0800 169 09 36  or email [email protected] open from: Monday – Thursday 08:30 am – 5:00 pm Friday 08:30 am – 12:30 pm. | Download our leaflet order form here! 
NKF information is strictly document controlled and is reviewed every three years, so it is always up to date.


The NKF has been awarded the PIF TICK – the UK’s only assessed quality mark for print and online health and care information. Learn more here!

The NKF is a member of the Helpline Partnership! Learn more here!


You can read the information on the topics listed below by clicking the name: 

NKF Helpline Patient Information | Information packs | Kidney Basics | Kidney Disease  | Polycystic Kidney Disease | Home Dialysis | Haemodialysis | Peritoneal Dialysis | Drugs | Sexual Relationships | Exercise | Holiday Series | Transplantation Series | Living Donor Information | Foot Care | Diet | Benefits | Easy Read Information Booklets


Are you kidney aware
What is kidney disease?
Types of kidney disease
What are the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Treatment for kidney disease
Living with kidney disease
Questions to ask your GP or renal consultant
Glossary of renal related terms
Know your numbers - Dialysis
Know your numbers - Transplant



Our newly revamped Patient Support Pack is designed to support those newly diagnosed on their kidney journey. The booklet helps to explain treatment options and provides essential information about kidney disease and dialysis.

How to order a free copy
To order a free copy or to bulk order, please contact the NKF Helpline team on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected].


*Benefits pack 
Dietary Information Pack to view the flyer  Click here
CKD stage 3 information pack to view the flyer Click here
Exercise for kidney patients pack to view the flyer Click here
*Pre - Transplant Information Pack (Folder with 10 information leaflets)
*Post - Transplant Information Pack (Folder with 11 information leaflets)
Dialysis Information Pack to view the flyer Click here

 *Contact the Helpline for any of the packs listed above 0800 169 0936* [email protected] 


About the kidneys
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?

I've got kidney disease
How to cope with established renal failure
The emotional impact of CKD
Resilience Beyond Challenges: Confronting Depression while Managing Kidney Disease   
Cholesterol and kidney disease
Calculating kidney function
High blood pressure
Frequently asked questions
Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Preventing AKI’s  
Kidney biopsy
The Renogram
End of Life Care for Renal Patients
Conservative Management in Kidney Disease
Carer's Information; Helping your loved one manage their renal condition     
Employers Guide to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Acidosis in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Type 1 distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA)
Chronic Kidney Disease associated Pruritus (CKD-aP)  Itchy Skin      
Preparing for Your First Visit to a Nephrologist
Living with fatigue – fatigue management for people with kidney disease  
Ageing Well with Kidney Disease: Preventing Frailty
What Being Highly Sensitised Means for People with End-Stage Kidney Disease


Amyloidosis
Alports syndrome

Anaemia
BK Virus
Bones, calcium, phosphate and PTH in kidney failure
Calciphylaxis Information  

Diabetes and the kidney
Fabry disease

Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis
Glomerulonephritis
Good mouth care in established renal failure
Green nephrology

Haematuria
Henoch-schonlein purpura
IgA nephropathy

IgA Navigate your Numbers
IgM nephropathy
Interstitial nephritis
Iron deficiency anaemia and chronic kidney disease

Kidney cysts
Loin pain - haematuria syndrome
Lupus and lupus kidney disease

Membranous nephropathy
Minimal change nephropathy
Myeloma and kidney disease
Nephrotic syndrome in adults
Pain in kidney or urine diseases

Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1) 
Proteinuria
Renal Artery stenosis
Reflux

Small or single kidney

Type 1 distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA) 
Twelve steps towards pain control
Urinary infections
Vasculitis


Adult or polycystic kidney disease
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease


Myth Busting Home Dialysis : Information from Baxter Healthcare Ltd Download this PDF
Home Dialysis Resource Centre


Introduction to haemodialysis
Home dialysis the advantages
Tunnelled Haemodialysis Line (Central Venous Catheter) 
Fistula care
Having a Fistula For Dialysis
Living with a fistula for dialysis
Home Dialysis Peer Support Service    
My First Haemodialysis      
Fluid Balance on Dialysis
Dialysis after dark - Journey to Nocturnal Dialysis
The Risks of Missing Dialysis Sessions
EndoAVF System More AV access options for your dialysis


Introduction to Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
What is Peritonitis?


Blood Pressure Medication
Medication for immunosuppression and prevention of infections in kidney patients
Commonly taken drugs for kidney failure
Over the counter drugs
What are SGLT-2 Inhibitors?  
What are statins?   


Sex problems with renal failure
Sexual relationship in kidney failure for men
Sexual relationship in kidney failure for women


Leicester Kidney Lifestyle Team Strength Training Exercises 

Helping people living with kidney disease to move more and be active

Useful exercises which you can do indoors
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has produced an exercise video, designed for people whose lives have been affected or disrupted by Covid-19.
Can I safely exercise with high blood pressure?
Staying fit with kidney disease


Holiday dialysis UK
Holiday companies
Travel insurance
Holiday tips and guidelines
Holiday guidelines for PD patients
Holiday guidelines for HD patients
Holiday guidelines for transplant patients
Holiday/travel vaccinations in transplant patients
Tips to keep cool in hot weather


The transplant phone call: What to expect 
The transplant procedure – What to expect 
After my transplant - What to expect
Are work and a normal life possible after a transplant?
Blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease & circulation problems
Cancer after kidney transplantation
Diabetes after transplantation
How long does the transplant operation take?
How are kidneys allocated?
How long is the wait for a kidney?
Infection after transplantation
Is kidney transplantation psychologically stressful?
Kidney transplants from relatives and friends
Sexual problems following a transplant
Skin care in renal transplant patients
Top Tips
What are the complications of transplantation?
What is transplant rejection?
What drugs are needed after transplantation?
What is a kidney transplant?
Looking to The Future: The Emotional Impact Following a Kidney Transplant   
Understanding Delayed Graft Function (DGF)
Eating Well After a Kidney Transplant


Becoming a Living Kidney Donor
How do donors feel afterwards?
Reimbursement of living donor expenses
Going Home after Donating a Kidney


Charcot feet
Foot ulcers
Footwear
Holiday feet
Protecting your feet during dialysis
Why is kidney disease a risk to your feet? 


To request a Dietary Information Pack, call 0800 169 09 37 or email [email protected]. We need your full address to post this pack out to you.

Food With Thought: Tasty Recipes for Kidney Patients and their Families

Download Food with Thought PDF

TASTE! Healthy eating for a Modern Lifestyle by Lawrence Keogh and Janet Brinkworth

Order your copy of Taste Here!

Taking Control of Salt

Healthy eating for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Phosphate in your Diet

Dietary Information for Kidney Patients Stages 4 & 5

Potassium

The Eatwell Plate

Can kidney patients eat fruit and vegetables?

Renal patients and alcohol


Know your benefits


Helpful Videos 

The below videos have been produced by the team at North West London Kidney Care, Imperial College Health NHS Trust, they look at what causes chronic kidney disease (CKD), CKD - what should I eat and CKD - what are the treatments?

Watch Now

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a disease that affects the function of the kidneys. Kidney specialist Dr Jeremy Levy from Imperial College Healthcare talks through the causes, symptoms and diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

Watch Now

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a disease that affects the function of the kidneys. Kidney specialist Dr Jeremy Levy from Imperial College Healthcare explains how making positive lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy and exercising can help people with chronic kidney disease.

Watch Now

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a disease that affects the function of the kidneys. Kidney specialist Dr Jeremy Levy from Imperial College Healthcare explains treatments for chronic kidney disease.


Other Helpline Support Assets

Patient Support Packs

We have produced a Patient Support Pack to help you on your kidney journey. This booklet has been designed for people who have been newly diagnosed with kidney disease and must decide what will be the best treatment options for them and to understand kidney disease and dialysis. To order a copy or to bulk order contact the Helpline number 0800 169 09 36, or e-mail us at: [email protected]

Patient Cards

The NKF have designed a patient card to go in your purse or wallet to alert paramedics in an emergency, this will tell them that you are a kidney patient and to take care. These cards are being offered to dialysis and transplant clinics but if you would like one sending free of charge in the post, please contact the helpline team on [email protected] or call 0800 169 09 36.

NKF Shop 

The National Kidney Federation shop offers a range of helpful products for kidney patients, including medical aids, hydration bottles, educational materials, and awareness merchandise. Every purchase supports kidney patients, and donations are welcomed to amplify your impact.

Click the image to shop now!


Supported by Chiesi Limited 



Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for their financial support of the NKF Helpline. National Kidney Federation Kidney Issues Patient Information.


The NKF Helpline 0800 169 09 36 is open from:
Monday – Thursday 08:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 08:30 am – 12:30 pm

Published: 20th December, 2023

Updated: 14th April, 2026

Author: Pete Revell

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