Renal (Kidney)
The team of specialist renal dietitians at Wirral University Teaching Hospital provide advice and support to patients, families, and carers about the effect of diet on renal symptoms.
Diet is a very important part of the management for kidney disease. Healthy kidneys remove waste products and water from the body in the urine. When kidneys start to fail, these waste products build up and may result in symptoms such as poor appetite and weight loss, along with possible changes in blood mineral levels of potassium or phosphate, blood pressure control and fluid balance.
Renal dietitians specialise in assessing the nutritional requirements for those people with kidney problems, considering their complex needs. Patients may be advised by the dietitian to avoid or limit certain foods and drinks to help control the levels of waste products, whilst maintaining nutritional status. Dietary advice is individualised based on a person’s blood results, appetite, overall nutritional status, stage of kidney disease and treatment options.
Listed below are some useful leaflets and websites that give general information about diet and kidney disease. The renal dietitian will assess each patient individually and provide more detailed and tailored information as necessary. If you require advice on potassium or phosphate, the renal dietitian will assess and provide the most appropriate written information.
- A healthy diet and lifestyle for your kidneys
- Kidney Care UK
- National Kidney Foundation
- CaMKIN (Cheshire and Merseyside Kidney Information Network)
The renal dietitians also support and facilitate education and continuing professional development for student dietitians and nurses, nursing and medical staff and the renal multidisciplinary team at both APH and CGH sites.
Service provision covers the following:
- Nephrology outpatient clinics
- Haemodialysis units at both APH and CGH
- Home therapies patients (including peritoneal dialysis and home haemodialysis)
- Renal inpatients