Welcome.

At the time I am writing to you, we are launching two new policy reports which lay the groundwork for a seismic shift in how kidney patients are diagnosed, monitored, treated and supported.

Kidney patient Sabina Saeed features on our Update front cover. She is one of the patients whose voices have been integral to our mental health report (see pages 8-9). Together with Centre for Mental Health we are showing decision makers evidence that good mental healthcare is a fundamental part of good kidney care, and that in too many areas it is lacking.

We all know money matters are key in Government decision making. And we are taking this fact firmly by the horns. Our second report reveals that kidney disease is a public health emergency that requires urgent action. Ignoring the increasing burden of kidney disease would be a catastrophic false economy.

Kidney disease is already costing the NHS £6.4 billion a year and this could grow to £10.9 billion in just ten years. Our health service is at serious risk of being overwhelmed, but we have outlined steps that can be taken to prevent this. Read more on pages 4-5.

Meanwhile we are very grateful to Nina Nannar for sharing her very personal account of the human cost of kidney disease, having recently lost her husband Steve (pages 6-7). Their story reminds us why change can’t come soon enough.

Thank you to the patients, clinicians and academic experts who have helped develop these reports; a clear rallying together of the kidney community. I urge you to join us in shouting from the rooftops to create change.

If you are thinking of joining Team Kidney, stories from our volunteers and fundraisers will inspire you (see pages 12-15). Thank you to all those who support, inform, guide and share with us – together we will end kidney disease.

Best wishes