Over the past six months, the kidney community has been campaigning for a Kidney Disease Modern Service Framework (MSF). MSFs are strategies for the NHS in England to ensure people receive the same high standard of care, regardless of where they live.
A programme of listening events, Voices to Vision, has brought together over 450 patients, healthcare professionals, charity and community partners to discuss what a national strategy for kidney disease should include. We have been struck by the passion, energy and commitment of the community at these events.
Patient speakers generously shared their stories to help demonstrate the difference a national strategy could make to people’s lives, and a further 40 patients and carers attended and contributed to the conversations. Clinicians, charity representatives and researchers shared their expertise to help make kidney care the best it can be for the future.
The discussions are now being carefully analysed by the University of Leicester to feed into expert groups who will consider priorities to include in a national strategy for kidney disease.
This process is demonstrating what we are capable of when we work together as a community, united in a common goal to improve kidney care.
We need a vision for future kidney care. By using this opportunity to create a national strategy together we can focus on what’s going to make the biggest difference, how to get there and achieve far better outcomes for everyone affected by kidney disease.Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK
The publication of a Cardiovascular Modern Service Framework has been a positive step forward for the kidney community, highlighting how important kidney health is in managing heart disease. But we know that this does not go far enough for people living with kidney disease and we are determined in our ambition for the government to commit to a dedicated Kidney Disease Modern Service Framework.
The foundations are being laid. We hope the community-led strategy we are developing can help demonstrate to government the potential impact. A national strategy could improve the lives of those living with kidney disease, but also those living unknowingly or knowingly at risk of associated conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
A national kidney strategy would result in the same high standard of care and same opportunities regardless of where you live and who you are.Funmi Lawal, Patient Co-Chair of the 7 Million Lives at Risk Campaign Governance Group
Still time to make your voice heard
Kidney Care UK continues to seek views through a listening survey which is open to professionals, patients and carers until 30 September 2026. We are holding two final virtual listening events for patients and carers on 22 and 23 September.
Sign up below to take part in these opportunities:
We aim to publish an interim report in the autumn of this year.
We know that 7 million people in the UK are affected by kidney disease and that by working together as a community, we can improve their lives and ensure people living with kidney disease receive the care that is right for them.
Thank you for all your help.