The Renal Association

The Renal Association is a leading professional body for the UK kidney community, dedicated to improving lives by supporting professionals in the delivery of kidney care and research. Although it is often referred to interchangeably with the UK Kidney Association (UKKA), historically, the Renal Association has been a prominent force in nephrology.

History and Impact

The Renal Association was founded in 1950 as one of the earliest nephrology societies globally, playing a crucial role in promoting and sharing research on kidney disease for over seven decades. A significant achievement includes the establishment of the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) in 1995. The UKRR collects and analyzes extensive data on patients undergoing renal replacement therapy and those with acute kidney injuries, which is pivotal for enhancing patient care across the UK.

Contributions to Healthcare

One of the Association's notable contributions was its collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians of London to publish national guidelines on the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2005. This collaboration led to the widespread routine reporting of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by NHS laboratories, significantly impacting the early detection and management of kidney disease.

Charity Status

The Renal Association is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, further reflecting its commitment to public benefit through better renal health outcomes and professional support within the UK.

Professional Support and Education

As a multi-professional body, the Association supports members from various healthcare backgrounds, including doctors, scientists, and other healthcare professionals. It fosters ongoing education and research initiatives aimed at improving renal care and treatment options for patients with kidney disease.

Conclusion

The Renal Association stands as a cornerstone in the UK's renal community, advancing kidney health through robust data analysis, guideline development, professional education, and charity work dedicated to better patient outcomes.

[1] https://www.ukkidney.org [2] https://www.ukkidney.org/about-us [3] https://ukhealthdata.org/members/the-renal-association/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/800733/charity-overview [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UK_Kidney_Association