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That was the year that was

A Review of AKPA in 2008

Support for Addenbrooke's Renal Units

AKPA funded two Reverse Osmosis machines for the Dialysis Centre at a cost of £7,298. These machines provide ultra-clean water for Dialysis machines and were urgently needed to support home dialysis patients.

Also, AKPA funded a Haemodialysis machine to be used for home dialysis at a cost of £10,900.

Home dialysis is still a useful option for otherwise fit patients, but can only be offered if machines are available.

Support for Patients

In 2008 AKPA provided an average of just under £1000 a month in welfare and holiday grants to disadvantaged patients. Kidney failure can devastate families and cause real hardship, often with little support from state benefits. Throughout its history AKPA has provided welfare and holiday grants to sick and needy patients. Eligibility for AKPA grants is decided in consultation with the Renal Welfare Officer.

Throughout 2008 AKPA continued to fund a Renal Welfare Officer for Addenbrooke's
AKPA have always believed that a specialist Renal Welfare Officer who understands the needs of patients is a necessity. There is no funding for this post from either the County Council or the NHS, and for the last ten years AKPA has funded Barbara Irving to carry out this important work at Addenbrooke's.

“Food With Thought” dialysis diet recipe book free to patients

Eating well can be a problem for dialysis patients. In order to help patients create interesting meals on a restricted diet the NKF published “Food with Thought” a renal diet recipe book. AKPA purchased 500 of them and distributed them free of charge to Addenbrooke's dialysis patients. (Click here for more information on this book.)

Third reprint of the AKPA Skin Cancer Leaflet

Continuing demand meant that in 2008 we happily agreed to fund the third reprint of this nationally popular advice leaflet for transplant patients. The leaflet is available in all renal clinics. 

NKF Annual Conference

Again, we funded travel and conference fees for patients who attended this national event of great importance to all renal patients. (Click here for further information on the 2008 NKF Conference.)

Social events for patients
The Summer Picnic, funded by AKPA, was a great success and we hope to repeat it this year. (Click here for a report on this event.)

Albert Hall Carol Concert

AKPA funded coach parties of patients and their families from the West Suffolk and Kings Lynn dialysis units to this very popular event.

Patients' Christmas Parties

Again, as every year during the Christmas period, AKPA provided seasonal fare, drinks and Christmas cheer to patients at all of Addenbrooke's dialysis units.

Transplant Games

Again, AKPA supported patients taking part in the UK transplant games. This annual event demonstrates the success of transplantation in returning dialysis patients to health and fitness.