SGN is leading a new £2.5 million partnership with Kidney Care UK which will see them work with the UK’s gas distribution networks (GDNs)1 to offer specialist support to help nearly 18,000 people living with kidney failure across the UK – 1,250 of those in Scotland.
Currently in Scotland there are 1,250 people with advanced kidney disease who rely on dialysis to stay alive. The majority of these patients have a routine which consists of three to four sessions of dialysis a week, each taking up to 6 hours or more in hospital.
On top of this they have to manage the associated stress and time pressures of travel to and from treatment. Due to the time constraints and health impacts associated with treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), only 26% of people on dialysis are in full time employment2. The consequent low income means many people with kidney failure live in relative poverty, compounded by the misery of increasing costs of living.
The unique and transformational partnership, uniting statutory, charitable and corporate sectors, will support vulnerable customers most in need, providing people living with CKD, with vital support to help tackle fuel poverty.
The initial two-year project will provide a holistic suite of services, including face-to-face support, where customers will get assistance with benefit entitlement, welfare support and specialist money and energy advice.
The service will maximise outcomes, in terms of financial support, whilst also promoting energy and carbon monoxide awareness.
The expansion of Kidney Care UK’s patient support services will mean that people on dialysis will have access to a dedicated, personal, face-to-face support service.
This will serve the 1,250 kidney patients on dialysis treatment in the 26 units across Scotland, as well as supporting people in the North East, North West, the South West and South East of England. Delivered by trained and trusted Patient Support & Advocacy Officers, the service will enable patients to access all the benefits and welfare support they are entitled to.
Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “We are pleased to be working with SGN as part of a transformational partnership with the Gas Distribution Networks across the UK to support nearly 18,000 vulnerable kidney patients in need of immediate support; 1,250 of these in Scotland.
“Philanthropic investment from our partners is enabling Kidney Care UK to increase its direct, on the ground support to thousands of dialysis patients, delivering tangible welfare and wellbeing benefits at a time when it is more important than ever”.
Linda Spence, Vulnerability Manager at SGN, said: “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know people with health conditions are uniquely impacted by higher than average energy costs.
“By working in a joined-up way with Kidney Care UK, we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice. Through building strong connections we can help vulnerable households get much needed help.”
For more information about Kidney Care UK’s patient support services go to https://kidneycareuk.org/get-support/