18/03/2022

After a miserable couple of Covid years, Lister Area Kidney Patients Association were determined to celebrate World Kidney Day and, with the support of LAKPA members and clinical staff, it celebrated in style. A stand in the main concourse of Lister Hospital at Stevenage was designed to bring a mix of serious messages on kidney health and organ donation with light-hearted activities to attract interest. 

There was a ‘guess the number of kidney beans in a pot’ competition held to win a WKD teddy and a quiz, people were invited to pick a kidney question from a board – the prize for a correct answer being a homemade WKD biscuit.

Importantly, there was also a serious aspect and the activities on the stand helped to prompt many discussions on organ donation, diet and kidney health. The importance of exercise was also highlighted with the dialysis unit providing a chair with attached exercise ‘bike,’ like those used in the unit, for visitors to try out. 

It was a very busy and rewarding event and LAKPA received tremendous support - there were visits from the Trust’s Chief Executive, the Renal Clinical Director, Head Nurse and several other senior staff. In addition, many of the clinical staff from all renal disciplines spent time on the stand, raising interest, answering questions, and promoting the KPA’s work.