The Point
Coach Road
Shireoaks
Worksop
Nottinghamshire
S81 8BW

Tel (Helpline): 0845 601 02 09
Tel (Admin): 01909 544999
Fax: 01909 481723
Web: www.kidney.org.uk
Best time to telephone: 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday

The National Kidney Federation (NKF) is the patient's voice and is fighting to achieve high quality renal treatment across the UK. It is the only national kidney charity run by patients, for patients. It is funded entirely by donations and sponsorships.

The Federation is able to monitor and compare renal services across the country because of its unique structure. It is run by representatives of the 78 separate Kidney Patient Associations geographically spread across the UK. This gives it enormous knowledge of the 'scene out there' and enables swift action to be taken when a problem is identified.

The NKF has 2 specific roles:

• Campaigning for improvements in renal provision and treatment.
• Patient support services.

The NKF's long term campaign aims to convey the following messages:

• There is an urgent need for more organ donors. Many people will die waiting for an organ transplant.
• The current system for organ donation is not as effective as it could be and there is a need for improvements in the organ donation system to ensure that the maximum number of lives can be saved and transformed.
• It is essential that people thinking about organ donation and those who are willing to donate their organs after death carry a card, sign up to the register, and tell their relatives of their wishes.

The Federation publishes leaflets on treatments for kidney failure, for patients, professionals and students. A conference is held annually.

Membership to the NKF is 20 pounds annually (correct Nov 2009). Members receive Kidney Life magazine four times per year which is also available on audio CD.