The National Kidney Federation (NKF) proudly marked a milestone with the 25th Anniversary of the NKF Helpline during its Annual Patients' Event, held over the weekend of 25th - 26th October 2024. Hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel near East Midlands Airport, the event brought together patients, families, and healthcare professionals from all across the UK, a supportive community dedicated to kidney health.

The event provided a unique platform for attendees to connect, build new relationships and receive support in a social kidney community setting.

Guests engaged in a series of insightful presentations delivered by both professional and patient guest speakers. Topics of discussion included the latest updates from NHS Blood and Transplant on organ donation, the benefits of peer support for home therapies, inspiring patient stories, and strategies for maintaining a healthier lifestyle with chronic kidney disease.

Key sessions also focused on managing kidney health through the Ready, Steady, Go transition programme, addressing the challenges of CKD with additional needs, and handling transplant medicines at home.

Each session offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of kidney care.

The guest speakers included:

• Alison Richards and Jayne Davis, Renal Social Workers with their session on, ‘Renal Social Worker - The Role, Tips and Strategies’
• Jackie Brander, NHSBT Head of Operations, ‘NHSBT Organ Donation Update’
• Patricia Gooden, NKF Peer Supporter, ‘How Peer Support Helps Home Therapies’
• Sam Honeywell, Patient Speaker, ‘Me, My Kidneys & Eyes’
• Dr. Pelly Koufaki, Reader in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation, ‘Move More - Sit Less’
• Arvind Nagra, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, ‘Empowering Patients Together - Ready, Steady, Go’
• Erica and Zac Stanley, Step-mother and Step-son patient speakers, ‘A Stepmother’s Journey with a Child Who Has Additional Needs’
• Cathy Pogson and Amy Page, Renal Specialist Clinical Academic Pharmacists, ‘Symptoms in Advanced Kidney Disease/Dialysis & Transplant Medications’

Exhibitors included Health Tec Medical, Beckton Dickinson UK, B Braun, Book Dialysis, Diaverum, Mesogeios, Davita, Fresenius, Independence Products, KDARS for Kids, PKD Charity, Danielles Flutterbyes, Peak Medical, Kidney Information Network and Freedom Holiday Dialysis showcased a wide range of support resources.

The weekend was a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the NKF Helpline but also a celebration of the wonderful renal community. To conclude the main event, a three-course meal was included and a disco, providing attendees with an opportunity to unwind and celebrate the connections made throughout the event.

The Annual Patients' Event was a success, reaffirming NKF's commitment to improving renal care and support for patients and their families.

NKF Chief Executive, Andrea Brown, commented; “The event was well-attended and well-received by our attendees. A big thank you goes out to all of our attendees, guest speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors who made the weekend a great success.”

For highlights from the NKF Annual Patients' Event 2024 or to listen to the speaker sessions visit:
www.kidney.org.uk/Event/national-kidney-federation-annual-patients-event-2024