Helpline 0800 169 09 36
NKF Helpline
We run the only free to call UK Helpline dedicated to kidney patients with two fully trained, experienced advisers providing a 5 day per week service to kidney patients, carers and healthcare professionals and renal units.
The NKF Helpline 0800 169 09 36 is open from:
Monday – Thursday 08:30 am – 5:00 pmFriday 08:30 am – 12:30 pm
The NKF Helpline is also the UK’s largest provider of kidney-related medical information leaflets with a library of over 200 titles written by nephrologists in simple language for patients and carers.
The NKF Helpline can provide information about chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis, transplantation, living donation as well as benefits information, dietary advice and holiday information.
Patient cards
The NKF have designed a patient card to go in your purse or wallet to alert paramedics in an emergency, this will tell them that you are a kidney patient and to take care. These cards are being offered to dialysis and transplant clinics but if you would like one sending free of charge in the post, please click here
Our advisers Stephen and Linda are waiting to help on 0800 169 09 36.
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for their financial support of the NKF Helpline. National Kidney Federation Kidney Issues Patient Information.
NKF information is strictly document controlled to ensure that the information provided is reviewed every three years, so it is always up to date.
Whether you require a single leaflet for yourself, or bulk quantities for a renal unit, hospital or Kidney Patient Association, just call the Helpline number 0800 169 09 36, or e-mail us at: [email protected]
You can read the information on the topics listed below by clicking the name. From there you can also download a PDF of the information if you wish.
We have produced a Patient Support Pack to help you on your kidney journey. This booklet has been designed for people who have been newly diagnosed with kidney disease and must decide what will be the best treatment options for them and to understand kidney disease and dialysis. To order a copy contact the Helpline number 0800 169 09 36, or e-mail us at: [email protected]
Are you kidney awareWhat is kidney disease?Types of kidney diseaseWhat are the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?Treatment for kidney diseaseLiving with kidney diseaseQuestions to ask your GP or renal consultantGlossary of renal related termsKnow your numbers - DialysisKnow your numbers - Transplant
Information packs
Benefits pack Dietary Information Pack to view the flyer Click hereCKD stage 3 information pack to view the flyer Click hereExercise for kidney patients pack to view the flyer Click herePre - Transplant Information Pack (Folder with 10 information leaflets)Post - Transplant Information Pack (Folder with 11 information leaflets)Dialysis Information Pack to view the flyer Click here
*Contact the Helpline for any of the packs listed above 0800 169 0936* [email protected]
About the KidneysChronic kidney disease (CKD)I've got kidney diseaseHow to cope with established renal failureThe emotional impact of CKDResilience Beyond Challenges: Confronting Depression while Managing Kidney Disease *NEW NOV 2023*Cholesterol and kidney diseaseCalculating kidney functionHigh blood pressureFrequently asked questionsAcute kidney injury (AKI)Preventing AKI’s Kidney biopsyEnd of Life Care for Renal Patients Conservative Management in Kidney DiseaseAcidosis in patients with Chronic Kidney DiseaseType 1 distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA)
Below are three videos produced by the team at North West London Kidney Care, Imperial College Health NHS Trust, they look at what causes chronic kidney disease (CKD), CKD - what should I eat and CKD - what are the treatments?
AmyloidosisIron deficiency anaemia and chronic kidney diseaseAnaemiaDiabetes and the kidneyFocal and segmental glomerulosclerosisGlomerulonephritisHaematuriaHenoch-schonlein purpuraIgA nephropathyIgM nephropathyInterstitial nephritisKidney cystsLoin pain - haematuria syndromeMembranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN)Minimal change nephropathyMyeloma and kidney diseaseNephrotic syndrome in adultsPain in kidney or urine diseasesProteinuriaRenal Artery stenosisSmall or single kidneyTwelve steps towards pain controlUrinary infectionsVasculitisCalciphylaxis Information Alports syndromeBones, calcium, phosphate and PTH in kidney failureFabry diseaseGood mouth care in established renal failureGreen nephrologyLupus and lupus kidney diseaseReflux
Adult or polycystic kidney diseaseAutosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
Myth Busting Home Dialysis : Information from Baxter Healthcare Ltd Download this PDFHome Dialysis Rescourse CentreA Covid-19 Perspective on Home Dialysis
Introduction to haemodialysisHome dialysis the advantagesDialysis line insertionFistula careHaving a Fistula For DialysisLiving with a fistula for dialysisHome Dialysis Peer Support Service My First Haemodialysis Fluid Balance on Dialysis
Introduction to Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Drugs
Blood Pressure MedicationMedication for immunosuppression and prevention of infections in kidney patientsCommonly taken drugs for kidney failureOver the counter drugs
Sex problems with renal failureSexual relationship in kidney failure for menSexual relationship in kidney failure for womenSexual relationship in kidney failure having children
Useful exercises which you can do indoorsOxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has produced an exercise video, designed for people whose lives have been affected or disrupted by Covid-19.Let's Get Active! Exercise for kidney patientsStaying fit with kidney diseaseCan I safely exercise with high blood pressure?
Holiday companiesTravel insuranceHoliday tips and guidelinesHoliday guidelines for PD patientsHoliday guidelines for HD patientsHoliday guidelines for transplant patientsHoliday/travel vaccinations in transplant patientsTips to keep cool in hot weather
The transplant phone call: What to expect The transplant procedure – What to expect AFTER MY KIDNEY TRANSPLANT - WHAT TO EXPECTAre work and a normal life possible after a transplant?Blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease & circulation problemsCancer after kidney transplantationDiabetes after transplantationHow long does the transplant operation take?How are kidneys allocated?How long is the wait for a kidney?Infection after transplantationIs kidney transplantation psychologically stressful?Kidney transplants from relatives and friendsSexual problems following a transplantSkin care in renal transplant patientsTop Tips What are the complications of transplantation?What is transplant rejection?What drugs are needed after transplantation?What is a kidney transplant?
Living donor informationHow do donors feel afterwards?Reimbursement of living donor expenses
Charcot feetFoot ulcersFootwearHoliday feet
To request a Dietary Information Pack, call 0800 169 09 37 or email [email protected]. We need your full address to post this pack out to you.
To order your copy call the helpline on 0800 169 0936 or e-mail [email protected] or order from our online shop.
Download Food with Thought PDF
Order your copy of Taste!
Lawrence Keogh kidney care cookbook: Rediscovering Food & Flavours Click here
*NEW September 2023 * Healthy eating for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
PotassiumThe Eatwell PlateCan kidney patients eat fruit and vegetables?Renal patients and alcohol
Know your benefits
Help! I've got kidney failure: Your introduction to kidney failure and its treatment (booklet)The Dialysis Decision Aid Booklet
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
The NKF have designed a patient card to go in your purse or wallet to alert paramedics in an emergency, this will tell them that you are a kidney patient and to take care. These cards are being offered to dialysis and transplant clinics but if you would like one sending free of charge in the post, please fill the form in below to receive your card in the post.
Supported by Chiesi Limited
Action Kidney Cancer is the UK’s largest and most active patient-led kidney cancer charity. We provide personal and practical support, up-to-date information and patient advocacy for kidney cancer patients and their families across the whole of the United Kingdom. Helpline 0800 121 8721 Website Click here