In 2009, CGH partnered with the Renal Association, the British Renal Society and the NHS Sustainable Development Unit to set up a Green Nephrology programme to support the transformation to sustainable kidney care.  A key success of the last year has been the creation of a Green Nephrology Fellowship (sponsored by NHS Kidney Care), seconding a trainee renal doctor to work full time on the programme within CGH.  The Fellow has gone on to establish a network of local representatives across the UK, who are now actively working to improve the sustainability of their kidney units.  Case studies have been used to share examples of good practice, leading to uptake in other units – such as the creation of a new telephone follow up service planned in Bristol. 

Working intensively in kidney care, the Green Nephrology programme has demonstrated a new approach to carbon reduction in healthcare: creating a model of clinical transformation to inspire all clinical specialties. Leadership from kidney doctors is producing a cultural shift to include sustainability as an integral part of high quality care. 

The foundation year has shown the potential benefits of Green Nephrology, but has also shown how much work there is yet to be done. 

However, because the funding for the present Green Nephrology Fellowship expires in August 2010, unless we manage to secure £57,000 in bridge funding, the programme will have to close down in September, leaving the Network of Local Representatives unsupported.  An opportunity for sustainable healthcare will sadly be lost, including the creation of a Green Nephrology online community, web-based knowledge sharing events, innovative case studies and resources, and collaboration in a special educational meeting on telemedicine at the Royal Society of Medicine.

We already have £20,000 from other funders, and have been extremely lucky to have received pledges for £12,000 from two junior doctors.  After the addition of Gift Aid, this leaves just £21,000 to raise!  It would be wonderful to receive donations from any other supporters to help us continue this vital and successful work.

Support is urgently needed.  If funds can be found before the end of July, it will allow us to recruit a new Green Nephrology Fellow to take the programme forward from September 2010. Subsequently, we shall be approaching major funders to support a full follow-on programme starting in April 2011.

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