2025 presented us with continuing problems and challenges.
We suffered from some setbacks in 2025, which were all due to technical issues. We were not able to hold meetings due to our Zoom licence coming to an end and the renewal process taking a long time. We also faced a bigger problem renewing our website hosting, resulting in the unavailability of the site for a period. We are able to inform you that all these technical problems were solved and we look forward to a smoother administration next year.
Despite financial constraints, the Association still met its obligations and bought two ice-machines to replace the broken-down ones at the Mary Rankin and the Edgware Dialysis Centre units. We made grants to patients in financial need or made purchases that would benefit them.
The cost-of-living crisis has become a persistent problem which will continue into 2026.
I expect the Department of Work and Pensions changes being made, with some patients losing their PIP (Personal Independence Payment) etc, will cause problems and charities, including the RFHKPA, will face difficulties supporting their members.
Some solutions were found for those with financial issues by helping them to claim for their benefits or PIP with the help of the Camden Citizen’s Advice (CA) Service; those who needed one-off assistance were also helped by the Association.
It was for those who needed housing, peer support etc. that we found our challenges.
The housing needs of the patients were varied, from first time applicants to those seeking bigger space for home dialysis or family. This is not something KPAs do, but between one of our Committee members (Patricia) and myself, we were able to assist them. In some cases, I had to write to the councils on their behalf and Patricia actively followed up their requests. I am proud to say Patricia succeeded with cases of patients getting a place or moving to bigger accommodation.
As mentioned earlier, those with benefit related issues were referred to the Camden CA Service and again I am proud to say all the patients I referred (we don’t have records of those sent by the unit nurses) were given their benefits and those who appealed their decision on PIP were also successful.
Our usual annual events continued. The hard work of Louis, Patricia and myself organising the day trip to Clacton-on-Sea paid off. It was mostly very wet, but everybody had a great time.
Congratulations to Caryl, Jill and Andy for organising the Tea Party event which was praised by the patients who attended; the weather was glorious. This year saw the return of the tombola run by Nalini, Mamta, Ramesh and Parus, ably assisted by their friends Ami and Sangeeta. The rest of the Committee helped to set up the hall and clear away at the end.
Louis and others are busy organising the Christmas Lunch at a new venue, the Gökyüzü restaurant in Green Lanes, London, on 7th December 2025.
Our relationship with the renal department is still strong. We are involved with DHL transport meetings, RF/KPA interactions, research and purchasing equipment that will benefit the patients. I attended UKKA eGFR Working Group meetings, Mortality Surveillance & End of Life as well as the Patient Partnership Group and the NKF Regional KPA London Network meetings.
As always, I appeal to you to think of us when making donations; you can use Justgiving , PayPal or any other digital platforms to make donations. You can also send us a cheque made out to Royal Free Hospital Kidney Patients Association or remember us in your will.
For those who passed away, I wish them a peaceful rest and also thank their families for making donations in their memory.
New patients are reminded to register their membership at: https://membermojo.co.uk/rfhkpa
The RFHKPA is not only for patients but also their families and the medical team of the renal department. Apart from the financial support I have asked for, I will also appeal for your time. We can’t buy time but we can give time and that is why I am asking those who have time to volunteer to assist our work. Anyone who wants to volunteer can call me on 07725 347 925 or send an e-mail to nii.plange@me.com or rfhkpa3@gmail.com.
I thank our trustees: Jill Slann, Caryl Bryant, Funmi Lawal, Louis Toussaint, Patricia Gooden and also two individuals, Jeremy Gold and Andy Forbes, who help us when they can. I thank you individually and as trustees and friends personally and officially as the Chairman of the RFHKPA.
Presently, the Association is in need of a treasurer and we hope someone with the right skills will apply for the position.
Thanks to all those who have helped in various ways to support the association. Thanks to all our donors for helping us to provide benefits for our fellow patients. And special thanks to all our consultants, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, admin staff and support workers for helping us on our journey to a better quality of life.
