Sunderland Royal Hospital has initiated a pilot program in collaboration with HealthTech startup Kidney Beam, aimed at assisting patients with kidney disease in enhancing their physical activity and self-management skills.
Key Facts About Kidney Disease
- Kidney disease impacts approximately one in ten adults in the UK.
- It incurs an annual economic cost of £7 billion, as reported by Kidney Research UK.
Details of the Pilot Program
Launched in August 2025, the pilot program integrates:
- Online physiotherapy sessions
- Customized educational resources
- Health coaching services
Patients will have access to:
- Physio-led exercise sessions
- Condition-specific educational classes via Kidney Beam’s digital platform
Clinical Insights
Aisling Barrett, a specialist kidney dietitian at Sunderland Royal Hospital, emphasized the importance of physical activity for kidney patients:
“Incorporating activity into daily routines is crucial for kidney patients. Many experience muscle breakdown, and maintaining mobility is essential for their independence.”
She noted that the Kidney Beam program provides a flexible approach to engage patients in physical activity, helping to build their confidence in exercising.
Program Structure
The pilot will enroll up to 50 patients through a new clinical referral pathway and will run until January 2026. Participants will undergo a 12-week intervention, which includes:
- Support from health coaches
- A virtual program tailored to their clinical status, including prehabilitation for transplants, dialysis exercises, and post-transplant rehabilitation
Expansion Plans
The pilot will also extend to:
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
- NHS Tayside
Insights gained from this initiative will inform future strategies for expanding digital-first kidney rehabilitation across the NHS.
Expert Commentary
Professor Sharlene Greenwood, co-founder of Kidney Beam and consultant physiotherapist at King’s College Hospital London, stated:
“Many individuals with kidney disease face challenges in maintaining an active lifestyle, despite the benefits of physical activity in slowing disease progression. Our platform aims to equip patients with the necessary tools and confidence to safely incorporate activity into their daily lives.”
Current Landscape of Kidney Rehabilitation
Currently, only three out of 72 NHS sites provide kidney-specific rehabilitation programs, largely due to a shortage of qualified professionals. However, evidence from Kidney Beam’s clinical trial, published in the Lancet Digital Health, indicates significant improvements in patient-reported quality of life and cost efficiencies for the NHS.
This clinical trial was funded by Kidney Research UK and developed in partnership with clinicians at King’s College Hospital London.