During 2020, over 2,000 people with kidney disease and their families filled in our Worried Sick and Out of Sight surveys. We listened carefully so we could speak up on your behalf to secure the support people with kidney disease want. Your experiences went to NHS leaders, government Ministers, MPs, Royal Colleges and trades unions and commissioners of kidney services. Now we are asking for your help again to tell us what you need as post lockdown plans are put in place, services restart and the vaccination rollout continues.
Findings from our earlier surveys include that health services for kidney patients were hugely disrupted, with appointments and surgery being cancelled. Patients who were expected back in the workplace were having to choose between their health and their livelihood. Many of the respondents who were parents as well as kidney patients were worried about schools reopening. We also heard from many people who felt their mental health was suffering due to the stress of the pandemic and shielding and wanted support.
We are currently at a pivotal moment of the pandemic. The Covid-19 vaccination programme is well underway and plans for easing restrictions are being announced. We want to make sure people with kidney disease have their experiences and views understood at this key time. The results will be shared far and wide, and we will campaign for the support you need over the coming year.
Worried Sick – at the ragged edge
It is likely that people will be advised that they no longer need to shield from August onwards.
1 in 3 of those who have been shielding are wor...
Coalition of 11 charities calling on the Government to introduce furlough-style scheme for high-risk workers
