A new initiative is to be introduced at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals to give greater support to young adults coping with kidney disease.

Patients in London and the South East are currently served by two paediatric renal units, one at the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the other at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, but are transferred to adult kidney units, including St Helier, when they reach their mid to late teens.

Introduced in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS foundation trust and led by NHS Kidney Care, the scheme aims to support patients aged 15 to 21 as they transition from paediatric to adult care.

Dr Fiona Harris, a senior renal doctor for the trust, said: “It can be particularly difficult as they make the transition to adult services, as some people struggle to cope with the changes to the way they are cared for. “It can also be a very daunting period, as this is often the time that young patients begin to plan for the future and can truly see the impact that the disease will have on their lives.

“Over the next 18 months, we’ll be working with health partners across the area to further improve the care we’re giving to young adult kidney patients.”

Beverley Matthews, director of NHS Kidney Care, added: “It will help to identify how best to support this group, and the approaches developed in London will not just help young people locally, but will benefit those across England, who are suffering from kidney disease, and from other long term conditions.”