History of SGKPA

The St George's Kidney Patients Association was founded in 1990 at St George's Hospital, Tooting. Since then, with the introduction of transplantation, the numbers of patients have increased dramatically. In 2004 there were over 700 patients, half of whom were on dialysis and half of whom had received a transplant.

During this time, SGKPA has raised funds for theatre equipment, dialysis machines, televisions and other ward equipment, blood pressure monitors, a Doppler ultrasound, laproscopic equipment, furniture for a day room and decorating.

Private medical insurance does not cover dialysis or transplantation so virtually all seriously ill renal patients are treated by the NHS. At St George's the renal facilities are housed in buildings that were designed to be temporary. For many years the SGKPA has been involved in the campaign for a new renal building and is still involved in the discussions at Trust and regional level.

Catch up with the latest developments in our Newsletter section.