UK National Kidney Federation

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

HELD AT

THE GOVERNORS HALL, ST THOMAS HOSPITAL

ON

SATURDAY 25 MARCH 2000 FOLLOWING THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

PRESENT:	Mr A Donohoe	Chairman
	Mr I McGeehan	Co-Vice Chairman
	Mrs J Aplin	Secretary

In attendance:	Mr T.F.Statham OBE	Manager
	Mrs J Bartlam	Manager
	Mr R Dunn	Advocacy Officer
	Mrs S Edwards	Secretary

	plus 25 Official delegates
	and 27 delegates as per the Attendance Registers.

Ian McGeehan paid tribute to the work of Austin Donohoe, the previous Chairman who had stood down at the end of his term of office.

403
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Alwyn Ashfield (Shropshire & Mid-Wales) Helen Atakan (Cumbria), David Benoliel (Six Counties) Dennis Crane (NWRKPA), Garfield Dullam (Exeter), Max Gabe-Wilkinson (KRUF), Lawrence Keogh (Independent), Eileen Parker (Hammersmith), David Poulter (St Mary's), Derek Robinson (LGI), Lilian Rutherford, Val Said (Hammersmith), Fred Tring (ex Vice President).

404
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 11 JULY 1999

It was proposed by Gordon Nicholas (NEKPA), seconded by John Powell (SHARP) and agreed unanimously that the minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 1999 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

405
MATTERS ARISING

Proposal To approve Policy Document 'Organ Donor Systems' prepared following Council meeting 11 July 1999.

It was proposed by Gordon Nicholas (NEKPA), seconded by Gary Lloyd (BAKPA) THAT the proposed Policy Document be adopted. (See attached) Frank Howarth drew attention to the BMA report on transplantation which outlined the shortage of tranplantation and made some suggestions and as to how problems may be overcome.

406
OPEN FORUM

Bob Price (Six Counties) asked how the new co-chairmen intended taking the Federation forward. Ian McGeehan responded by saying that they see this as a year of consolidation on the work the previous chairman had achieved. Mrs Aplin said they would only be holding office for one year owing to time constraints limited by the constitution.

The elected Executive committee were introduced to the meeting.

Gary Lloyd outlined the plans for the annual conference. The theme was Science Fiction or Science Fact. Plans were well under way and all speakers but one had accepted our invitation to speak. He reminded the meeting that the conference was scheduled for 23/24 September at the Stakis Hotel, Blackpool. The individual delegate rate would be increased by £5 per person over last year. The conference booking form would be in the forthcoming edition of Kidney Life.

Mick Hill (Charing Cross) said it was unfortunate that the ex-Chief Executive had taken legal action against the Federation and asked for confirmation whether, in the event of a financial settlement having to be made, the trustees would be responsible if the amount exhausted Federation funds.

Austin Donohoe confirmed that this was the case but said the Federation's solicitors had advised that the Federation should not settle. There comes a point, however, where it might not be worth pursuing any longer. The case was not due to be heard until July.

The Manager, Tim Statham presented a brief outline of forthcoming work and past achievements:-

Attempts would be made to increase the base of industry partners.
There had been insufficient contact with KPAs but this would be addressed by the Advocacy Officer.
There is a desperate need for new people on to the Executive committee and he encouraged people to become involved in the work of the NKF.
Worksop office had been refurbished during the last year.
More patients would and should be encouraged to join KPAs and the Federation.
The medical section on the web site was being improved and will be uploaded as soon as possible.

Michael Rowley (Brighton). Reported that West Sussex Health Authority had stopped financing EPO and asked if this was widespread. Frank Howarth said the situation was very patchy across the country. Jean Aplin suggested that patients should try to obtain EPO through their GP. The current situation was that 70% of patients were getting EPO.

Mick Hill suggested getting in touch with the CHC who can put a very effective case forward especially as there is disparity between 2 Health Authorities.

It was requested that any such problems be notified to the Advocacy Officer.

Makeda Dako objected to the reference to 'black holes' and asked that they should be referred to as areas of under provision.

Ajodha Ramnarine suggested there should be some effort to assist vulnerable ethnic patients.

Gordon Nicholas said he had recently attended a conference on ethnic needs and assured people that those needs would be addressed.

Mick Hill (Charing Cross) stressed the importance of communication and asked all members present to pass on to their members the importance of the work of the NKF so they knew what was being done on their behalf.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 3.05 pm.

new NKF logo The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.

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