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Kidney disease

We are a team of kidney dietitians who cover kidney(renal) wards at QEH, 10 haemodialysis units, peritoneal dialysis clinics, and some outpatient clinics where patients impacted by cystinosis and chronic kidney disease (without dialysis) are seen.

Kidney dietitians are specialised healthcare professionals that educate people with various kidney conditions to make food and drink related choices depending on their blood results while ensuring their diet remains balanced to prevent malnutrition.

Kidney dietitians also work with the multidisciplinary team to give suggestions on medication changes that affect bone health.   

Conditions we manage

We see patients with a variety of diseases that are relevant to kidney function including the following:  

  • chronic kidney disease  
  • end stage renal disease
  • acute kidney injury  
  • electrolyte imbalance including potassium, phosphate, calcium  
    mineral bone disease
  • transplant recovery    
    dialysis management (haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis)
  • malnutrition  

What to expect 

  • nutritional assessment 
  • anthropometric assessment
  • advice regarding healthy eating/living for people living with kidney disease
  • advice regarding food and fluid manipulation, where relevant, to manage specific symptoms or conditions
  • discussion regarding medications and timing of medications based on blood result   
    advice regarding oral nutritional support
  • support with tube feeding, where appropriate and required  

Who we work with

Kidney dietitians work with other healthcare professionals to provide patient centred care. 

This includes nephrologist, clinical nurse specialists (renal/diabetes/anaemia nurses), pharmacists, transplant team, fistula access team, advanced kidney care team, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and speech & language therapist.  

How to be referred

Referrals are taken from other health professionals. We can see patients that are under the care of a   kidney consultant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

All patients that are having dialysis will be under the care of a dietitian already for routine review.  

Please discuss with your medical team if you feel a referral is appropriate or have concerns regarding your eating and drinking. 

Get in touch

Last reviewed: 18 November 2025