The National Kidney Federation held its annual Kidney Patents Association Day on 14th March in Birmingham.
Professor Smeeta Sinha, Renal National Clinical Director (NHS England), gave a fantastic presentation regarding what was happening within the renal world, it was a real highlight of the day and a great opportunity for KPAs to understand the priorities for NHS England and what they are currently working on. Ron Cullen, Chief Executive of the UK Kidney Association (UKKA), gave another keynote speech, about their role in the renal world, giving an oversight of what they do and the impact they are having.
Three KPAs shared their best practices with the group: David Marshall from SAKA (Sheffield Area Kidney Association); Zoe Buchanan, Chair of the Gloucestershire Kidney Patients’ Association and Phil Thomson, Chair of the Wirral & West Cheshire KPA; the most recent KPA addition to the NKF membership.
The NKF held the first ever annual KPA Awards this year.
The RFHKPA was the only KPA nominated in each of the three categories.
Congratulations to the winners:
- Louis Toussaint, RFHKPA: Royal Free Hospital Kidney Patients Association – KPA Member of the Year
- Chris Rolfe, EDKPA Exeter & District Kidney Patients’ Association – KPA Chair of the Year
- Bradford KPA – KPA of the Year
There was one additional award presented. After receiving a nomination for this person in “KPA Member of the Year“, it was felt that this person’s contribution deserved something a little bit different, and after 50 years of loyal service a Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Judith Sidaway from the Dudley Kidney Patients Association.
Caryl Bryant, an RFHKPA Trustee and Committee member, was confirmed as the NKF’s Chair, having served as an NKF Trustee and Director for the last five years.
Below are some photos from the event:
