The Bristol Area Kidney Patients Association (BAKPA) is a local independent registered charity (271775) which was set up by patients and carers of the Richard Bright Renal Unit at Southmead Hospital in Bristol to provide goods and services for the use of patients, carers and staff, which are not provided by the Hospital Trust. The association aims to provide the treatment, welfare and comfort of kidney patients. The association has approximately 500 members, most of whom are kidney patients and carers from the South West of England

BAKPA has a strong association with the medical staff in the renal unit supporting their efforts to provide an excellent service to patients by providing:

• partial funding of research
• input into future patient services
• refurbishment of wards
• provision of specialist equipment
• access to wards and dialysis units for visiting patients.

Facilities include:

• dedicated holiday property in Bournemouth
• temporary accommodation for patients' families, for those who live a long way from Southmead, during long or short term in patient treatment.

Find out more information about our properties

We have also provided equipment for general use within the unit including:

• ice machines for use by dialysis patients
• a Haemofiltration Unit

BAKPA funds a patient information folder which is provided to all patients when they approach dialysis. This folder contains essential information about treatment, exercise and general health whilst on dialysis, a list of useful websites and other contacts.

We also:

• publish a quarterly magazine
• run an annual social event
• sponsor a team of local athletes for the National and International Transplant Games.

Key achievements

Bournemouth Flat

This space allows patients to dialyse away from home.  The apartment has easy access to holiday haemodialysis sessions and is also suitable for CAPD patients.  It provides self catering accommodation for up to six people, including children.  BAKPA makes a small charge for the use of this property.

Accommodation for patients and carers

For those patients who live a long way from Southmead Hospital, BAKPA has a two bedroomed property for the use of patients and carers during long or short term treatment in hospital.  No charge is made for this service, but all donations are gratefully received.

Satellite Units

We have given £80,000 towards equipping two satellite units based in Weston Super Mare and Bath which were opened in 1995.

Registered charity number 271775