LISTER SUPPORT SERVICES
In recognition of the psychological and social impact that kidney disease can have on patients and their families, the clinical team is supported by a multi-disciplinary team covering the non-medical aspects of care and they welcome approaches from those finding life difficult or confusing, or who simply feel that they would benefit from one of the following services.
Renal Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) encompasses Renal Social Work, Renal Psychological service and Renal Dietetics
The Renal Service at Lister is committed to supporting all those in the area affected by kidney disease and recognise that there is far more to this than just the clinical treatment.
The Renal MDT exists to support all renal patients, including young adults and carers/relatives on a range of personal, emotional, dietary and practical matters. This includes advice on finances, housing, social care, aids and equipment, food and fluid intake, practical help at home, as well as work and legal issues and advice for carers.
The service also supports patients who have chosen not to have a dialysis treatment, those who are not tolerating dialysis well. In this situation you will be reviewed on a regular basis according to need and, depending on your condition, by one of the social workers who will also link you with community health teams for additional support, as well as providing support for relatives/carers. This is called conservative management, and this service is being expanded in the next few months with more staff and a new clinic.
Jeanette Akunebuni
Renal Multi Professional Service Lead
To access any of these services, or to speak to a member of the team call 01438 284957
Grants to Patients
There is support available for patients who are experiencing financial difficulties – the social work team will discuss your needs and, where possible seek out the best support. The team have knowledge regarding sources of help and finance and can refer to LAKPA or other kidney charities where appropriate. LAKPA have provided grants for household goods, food vouchers and help with energy costs.
Advice on Benefits
The social work team includes a Benefits Adviser.The Benefits Advisor can help you identify the benefits you might be entitled to, as well as support with associated form filling and appeals. In addition, the Benefits Advisor can refer you to the money advice unit if further financial support is required.
For more information on the renal social work team click on the following link:
https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/resources/renal-social-work-service/
Renal Psychological Service
This is available to all renal patients and their carers. The kidney team recognises that having kidney disease can bring about a number of feelings that can be difficult to cope with, and at times, hard to discuss with loved ones.
The service supports you to find ways to deal with these feelings and thoughts. Individuals have used the service for various reasons related to their kidney disease, including relationship difficulties, adjusting to life on dialysis, phobias, withdrawing from treatment and bereavement support. These are just a few examples, for more information follow the link below:
https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/resources/renal-psychological-service/
Complementary Energy Therapy
Working within the Psychological service there are now two Energy Therapists Gabriella and Shuna – they offer a calming and soothing therapy to those patients who wish to use it. Complementary Energy Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive therapy which has been found to be effective in promoting health balance and wellbeing. To make an appointment, or to find out more follow this link:
https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/resources/complementary-energy-therapy/
Peer Support Service
The Peer Support Service is designed to give an opportunity for people receiving care from the kidney team and their carers, particularly those who are newly diagnosed, to talk with an experienced patient on a one to one basis over the telephone or face to face.
A peer supporter is not there to offer medical advice on treatment; they only share what it was like for them. Peer supporters are all volunteers who have lived the experience and will be carefully matched with anyone seeking advice to ensure that they have relevant experience.
The service is usually a one off call, although this can be more if both parties agree.
The service is run in conjunction with the National Kidney Federation (NKF) as this gives a wider range of experience to draw on.
You can contact the team on 01438 284957 or you can ring the NKF peer support freephone number 0800 169 09 36
Renal Dieticians
Good nutrition is important for all kidney patients at every stage of kidney disease from helping to prevent the progression of kidney disease, managing end stage kidney disease through to maintaining a post-transplant healthy diet. Finding trustworthy and easy to follow dietary advice can be difficult and confusing.
Renal dieticians are qualified to assess, diagnose and advise on diet and nutritional problems, allowing for personal preferences and priorities, enabling & helping you to enjoy your food and drink.
Renal Dieticians specialise in the nutritional needs of people with acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term) kidney disease, taking into account other conditions you may have, such as diabetes, to help improve and maintain a healthy diet and weight.
The following link will help you in understanding their work, following a healthy diet:
https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/resources/renal-nutrition-dietetic-service/
Kidney Kitchen which is an initiative of Kidney Care UK charity is an excellent place to access kidney friendly advice on diet and can be accessed here.
