Bradford kidney patient waiting for a second life-saving transplant launches new support network
A Bradford kidney patient waiting for a second life-saving transplant has launched a new support network for others with the disease
A man from Bradford, who has spent years undergoing dialysis while awaiting a second life-saving transplant, has taken a significant steps towards helping others affected by kidney disease by creating a community network.
The initiative, known as BrAdKIN (Bradford and Airedale Kidney Information Network), provided resources such as information, practical advice, and peer support for those receiving kidney care in the Bradford and Airedale areas.
Izzy Mohammed, the founder, established BrAdKIN following his own challenging journey with kidney disease.
Having been diagnosed in 2012, he initially received a kidney transplant through live donation from his brother in 2013. However, the transplant failed in 2021, necessitating ongoing dialysis treatment.
He's now been on the national transplant waiting list for over four years. But, Izzy has supported patients and carers in not facing their journey in isolation.
“Being involved in BrAdKIN gave me a new lease of life,” Izzy said. “It's important there is a patient voice in service redesign and in highlighting what worked well and what could be improved."
The network was officially launched at St Luke’s Hospital, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where Izzy continued his dialysis treatment.
The event welcomed the presence of Bradford South MP Judith Cummins and the Trust's Clinical Lead for Renal Services, Dr Mansoor Ali.
BrAdKIN contributed to creating a platform for sharing experiences and connecting, including safe spaces for discussing topics like diet, mental wellbeing, and self-care.
Reflecting its mission, the network grew, including information in welcome packs for dialysis patients across Bradford Teaching Hospitals.
A new support group at Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ satellite renal dialysis unit in Skipton was inaugurated on 15th September.
Amid this effort, Izzy encouraged more people, particularly from ethnic minority communities, to enroll in the organ donor register to address challenges in finding matched donors.