Further information and support
Charities / support groups
Six Counties Kidney Patients Association (SCKPA)
SCKPA is run by, and for, kidney patients.
SCKPA provides support and information for kidney patients, both at home or at meetings; this includes helping with holidays. It also raises funds for the Oxford Kidney Unit through subscriptions.
For £1 per year you will get the SCKPA magazine VIVA ( every three months) and regular copies of the National Kidney Federation magazine.
There are notice boards in the clinic areas where you can find information on who to contact at your local unit, or ask a member of staff.
Six Counties Kidney Patients Association (SCKPA) - www.sixcountieskpa.org.uk
National Kidney Federation (NKF)
- The Point
Coach Road
Worksop
Notts S81 8BW
- Tel: 01909 544 999
- Helpline: 0845 601 0209
- www.kidney.org
British Kidney Patient Association (BKPA)
Kidney Research UK
Oxford Young Adult Clinic
Oxford Young Adult Clinic (YAC) is a unique community-based service set-up to help 16-30 year olds in the Thames Valley region who suffer from kidney failure.
The objectives of the clinic are to reduce isolation, help facilitate acceptance of dialysis or transplantation, reduce denial and make life saving organ transplants last for many years.
Oxford Young Adult Clinic (YAC) - www.oxfordyoungadultclinic.com
Patient View
Patient View is an NHS website which allows any UK renal patient to access their blood results from any computer using a secure password.
It also provides links to helpful websites such as the National Kidney Federation (NKF) where you can find more information on kidney disease. With your permission, your GP or family members can also access Renal Patient View on your behalf.
To sign up for Patient View, please fill out an enrolment form, which can be found in all clinical areas, and hand it to a member of staff working in the Oxford Kidney Unit.
To find out more, ask your doctor or nurse.
www.patientview.org
Finance and benefits
The rules of the Department for Work and Pensions are complex and change frequently.
Please contact your local Jobcentre Plus office, or your local Citizens' Advice Bureau for expert advice.
Insurance and mortgages
You will need to declare your kidney failure on most life and insurance policies, including holiday insurance. The National Kidney Federation has details of 'kidney friendly' insurance companies.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
If you hold a motorcycle or car driving licence you do not need to inform the DVLA of your kidney condition. However, if you hold a bus, coach or lorry licence, then you are legally bound to inform them.
Useful links
Shared Decision Making - decision support
http://sdm.rightcare.nhs.uk
Carers UK - information and support for carers
Citizens' Advice Bureau - free advice
Pensions Advisory Service
Help with health costs
www.dh.gov.uk
Diabetes UK
Blue Badge scheme (disabled parking)
Disability Benefits Unit
Helpline: 0845 712 3456