Charities join forces to create new advice service for Sheffield kidney patients

Renal patients in Sheffield are benefitting from a brand new advice service developed in partnership by two city charities, which was launched in March.

Age UK Sheffield advice workers are providing dedicated one-to-one sessions in the Renal Unit at Northern General Hospital, in a project funded by Sheffield Area Kidney Association (SAKA).

The service is open to renal patients of any age, with appointments booked by calling Age UK Sheffield on (0114) 250 2850. The new service adds to and complements the existing health and social work provision available to patients through the Hospital and Sheffield City Council.

SAKA Chair, David Marshall, said: “Kidney patients receive excellent medical treatment in Sheffield. We wanted to offer a service which also addressed wider financial and social issues related to their condition. This advice service supports patients with individual needs, such as ensuring they are claiming the benefits they are entitled to and addressing their individual home, family and caring circumstances in a holistic approach.”

Age UK Sheffield Chief Executive, Steve Chu, said: “We are delighted to provide this advice service to kidney patients of any age. Our information and advice officers are vastly experienced at supporting patients with non-medical enquiries and we are one of the few local organisations which holds the national Advice Quality Standard kitemark.”

The appointments take place in the Renal Unit at the Northern General Hospital every Tuesday. For further information, call Age UK Sheffield on (0114) 250 2850 or e-mail: enquiries@ageuksheffield.org.uk.