The society does not provide medical services of any kind, as its expertise lies in the areas of support, education, information and patient representation.
Kidney Society services are free for kidney failure families in Northland and Auckland, although membership is encouraged.
The Society works closely with the professionals providing medical care for people with kidney failure but is a strictly independent patient society providing support in the community.
"Walking Alongside" Patients and Families
Working on your behalf
No matter how good the service provided by renal units and staff, inevitably communication between patient and family on the one hand, and health professionals on the other, come under strain at times. Being able to discuss these issues with someone not directly involved with the treatment but knowledgeable about the issues, the people and systems involved, is invaluable. The kidney society provides this service through home visits, phone support, communicating with hospital staff on the patient's behalf, organising and attending family meetings, helloing with complaints etc.
The Society has a very good working relationship with the renal services in the region, while maintaining strict independence from health service providers. We have regular meetings with key staff, are asked to participate in many projects, reviews and new developments. This relationship ensures that the patient's viewpoint is represented consistently and constructively at all levels of renal service delivery throughout the region.
