Trevor's Kidney Diary
Trevor Cook was the chair of the GSTT Kidney Patients' Association for two years, before handing over to Andy Williamson in October 2007. He's still involved as vice-chair, but is becoming more involved in some of the National Organisations. Here's a taste of what he's been up to recently...Trevor writes:
"I’ve been fortunate in working with some talented people in the Modernisation Initiative (MI) on the Life Style Project. Many aspects of the project – which seeks to address the non-clinical consequences of kidney failure – have been carried forward into the mainstream work that happens at Guy’s and St Thomas’ (and perhaps nationally – more below). Over time this will lead to a greater understanding of the challenges that kidney failure places on individuals, families and society. Alongside this will be a programme to address more positively the consequences of these as part of the clinical response to illness.
With this in mind it was interesting to attend the British Renal Society/Renal Association Conference in Glasgow during May. There was an overwhelming number of speakers, posters and exhibitions to attend and view. I nevertheless came away with a strong impression that the views and needs of patients were paramount in the way that services across the country and the world are developing. The practical and emotional needs of patients and their immediate families were highlighted in many presentations and reflected some of the work which is on-going at Guy’s.
It was rewarding to see that much of MI’s trail-blazing work was given such a positive response at the Conference.
Earlier in the year I was elected to the Executive Committee of the National Kidney Association (NKF) and I attended a weekend introduction session in Worksop. The NKF is the mouthpiece for Kidney Patient Associations around the UK. It has a very hard working staff and is highly influential in developing policy with Government and others. Membership is going to be a challenge as when representing an amalgam of organisations it is difficult to achieve or represent an agreed view which does not become too conservative in its ambitions.
Arising from this I have been invited to join the Lay Advisory Committee of Kidney Research UK.
I will keep KPA members informed of the progress of all this work as it unfolds in the coming months.
Trevor Cook."
Labels: Trevor Cook NKF Modernisation Initiative National Kidney Federation Kidney Research
posted by Andy W, Chair, GSTT KPA @ 10:05 AM
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