The announcement of a UK General Election affects the work of the National Kidney Federation in a number of material ways - YOU can help.
All Patients and carers need to be on the lookout for renal related issues raised during the campaign by any party or candidate. Press cuttings should be saved and sent to the NKF for subsequent analysis, even if only printed or broadcast in a local area. Urgent matters should be reported to the NKF at Worksop as they happen.
All Patients and Carers must stand ready to support or repudiate renal statements made by anyone during the campaign - however, check with the NKF at Worksop first if you are unsure of facts or if the subject is at all controversial.
The National Kidney Federation must be seen to be Party Politically Neutral; - but issue authorative. Do not claim to represent the NKF when expressing views without prior authority from the NKF to do so.
If you are close geographically to a visit by Party leaders or Health spokesmen, it would help if you could be present at such meetings and raise renal topics - be prepared to give interviews to Local or National Press and Media afterwards. Persuade other renal patients and carers to attend.
Encourage other Patients and Carers to write renal topic letters to the Press and Media.
Above all ask Liberal and Conservative speakers whether they would honour Labours commitment to a Renal National Service Frameworks if elected. Frame a similar question in respect of Labour's promise to increase the number of Transplants.
If possible take part in Radio or Television talk-ins - keep the profile of renal matters up. Write to Newspapers in a similar manner.
Make a note, and tell the NKF at Worksop if you hear any candidate offer support for the renal cause. The NKF will approach them after the campaign is over.
A General election is an opportunity to bring renal issues to the fore of public opinion, it is also the time when politicians are the most responsive. If Kidney Patients and carers use this time to heighten renal awareness amongst members of the public and amongst politicians, renal patients stand to benefit both in the long and short term.
You may find it helpful to use either of these slogans:-
"How patient must a Kidney Patient be?"
"Dying for a Transplant"
Good luck!
Tim Statham
NKF General Manager
Page created: 11 May 2001
Last updated: 23 November 2007
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