ALT Promotional image for an event inviting individuals to use an easy tool to contact their MP, featuring text that reads 'Two minutes One email One ask' and details of the event on 21 May, set against a purple background.

ALT Infographic reading: As the leading charity dedicated to kidney disease research in the UK, we work closely with patients, clinicians, and researchers to improve outcomes for those affected. CKD affects an estimated 7.2 million people in the UK – many of whom are unaware they have it. With cases rising, it is crucial that public awareness is based on fact, not fiction. While we welcome the increased visibility of kidney disease on prime-time television, and the need for drama in any good storyline, we are concerned that some recent plots have misrepresented key aspects of these conditions, contributing to fear, misinformation, and misunderstanding. With millions of people tuning into the drama each week, through accurate portrayals, there is a distinct opportunity to change the story for the millions of people CKD affects. The current storyline in Emmerdale, where Joe Tate orchestrates a stabbing and kidnapping to secure an illegal kidney transplant, is particularly concerning.

ALT The portrayal of theft of organs as a viable option is implausible, illegal and dangerous. Organ trafficking is a serious criminal offence, and any individual involved in such an act would face severe legal consequences. The storyline risks undermining public confidence in the transplant system at a time when we desperately need more people to consider living kidney donation. It is also a missed opportunity to spread positive awareness when six people in the UK die every week waiting for a kidney transplant. We cannot support storylines that could negatively impact efforts to increase the availability of organs for transplant. Similarly, while we were pleased that Coronation Street initially sought medical input for a kidney transplant storyline, we were disappointed that key aspects of real-world transplantation - such as the extensive compatibility testing, waiting times, and emotional complexities of the process - were sidelined for dramatic effect.

ALT This has caused frustration within the kidney patient community, many of whom face years of uncertainty, life-limiting dialysis treatment and complex medical procedures before receiving a transplant. We do, however, want to acknowledge more considered portrayals, such as EastEnders’ ongoing storyline about Nugget Gulati recovering after acute kidney injury, which did reflect some of the realities of dialysis and its impact on daily life. To support greater accuracy in future storylines, we would like to extend an offer to connect your writing and production teams with medical experts, researchers, and real kidney patients who can provide first-hand insight into the complexities of living with kidney disease. We believe that with better consultation, soaps can deliver compelling, emotional storylines without sacrificing medical realism or reinforcing harmful misconceptions and at the same time, challenge misunderstandings held by the UK population about kidney disease.

ALT Soap operas have come a long way in recognising the importance of sensitive and accurate portrayals of events that affect a character’s mental health, and it is time the same approach applied to devastating conditions like kidney disease. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and explore how we can work together to ensure kidney disease is portrayed responsibly and sensitively. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to arrange a meeting or receive further information. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Lucy Sreeves Executive director, Kidney Research UK

ALT Graphic titled 'Patient data webinar series 2025', displaying a schedule with five events. January 22: 'The role of patients in health data research.' February 11: 'Kidney health data research for patient benefit.' March 28: 'Analysis of kidney data using national collections.' May 14: Event at BHF Data Science Centre and the Kidney Catalyst. June: TBC, patient forum on kidney data research. January and February have ticks in them indicating the session has passed.

ALT Richard is sitting in a hospital bed receiving dialysis. He is celebrating his 50th birthday with a bright yellow and orange cake. To the side of him is a big 50 sign.