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Kidney Transplant and Renal Service

Our kidney transplant and renal service supports patients in North Wales who have declining kidney function. Our team of health care professionals work closely to care for patients who may need: 

  • Tests to identify what is wrong with their kidneys
  • Treatments to prevent further decline if possible
  • A kidney transplant

Treatment options for declining kidney function 

A transplant is considered the best treatment option for patients with declining kidney function who are medically fit for the surgery. A transplant is generally accepted to provide a better quality of life than dialysis.

Not everyone is suitable to have a kidney transplant and this may not be the best treatment option for all, so it's important to seek advice from a kidney nurse or doctor to find out different treatment options. 

Learn about the different treatment options on the Welsh Kidney Network website below:

Kidney transplant services in North Wales

Our kidney transplant nurses are the first point of contact for patients who are being considered for a kidney transplant. Patients will be assessed for medical suitability and will be provided with all the relevant information to support them in making an informed decision. 

If a patient’s kidney function falls to less than 25%, they will be offered information sessions to support their treatment decisions. If you are one of our kidney patients and haven’t yet been offered these information sessions, please contact your local transplant nurse.

What to expect

Here is what to expect for patients with a declining kidney function who would like and are suitable to be considered for a kidney transplant:

  • Your doctor will discuss with you whether a transplant is the best treatment choice based on your individual case.
  • The transplant nurses will meet with you to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment.
  • Investigations will be arranged to determine if you are medically fit for surgery and the medications you will need to take for the life of the transplant.
  • You may need to have a variety of scans which will be explained.
  • Once your doctor is happy with the results, they will refer you to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital for a kidney transplant or Manchester Royal Infirmary for a kidney and pancreas transplant if you are a type I diabetic. 
  • Once you have had your appointment at the relevant hospital and your case has been discussed in a meeting with different health professionals, if you are found to be suitable for a transplant then your name will be placed on the national transplant waiting list. 
  • You will receive a letter confirming once you are active on the national transplant waiting list. You should receive this within a couple of weeks of your final appointment – please contact your local transplant nurse if you haven’t received a letter.

The national transplant waiting list

It is important you keep your phone with you at all times as we need to be able to contact you.

Keep your contact details up to date and notify your kidney transplant nurse of any changes to phone numbers, contact details or address.

If you are unwell or plan to go away on a holiday, please tell your kidney transplant nurses.

Find out more information on kidney transplants on the Welsh Kidney Network website.

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