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Renal medicine (nephrology)
Specialist support for complex and chronic conditions
- Care delivered by leading senior specialists, dedicated specialist nurses and dietitians
- Appointments in as little as 24 hours
- Diagnostic results in as little as 48 hours
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Renal medicine at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Our leading nephrologists and renal surgeons provide expert care for a wide range of kidney conditions, from chronic kidney disease and diabetes-related complications to autoimmune disorders like lupus nephritis, vasculitis, IgA nephropathy and diabetic kidney disease.
With on-site dialysis, access to living donor transplant services, and a multidisciplinary team including urologists and interventional radiologists, we are able to give you seamless, personalised care at every stage. Whether you need ongoing management or advanced surgical treatment, our approach ensures safe, effective support tailored to your needs.
With on-site dialysis, access to living donor transplant services, and a multidisciplinary team including urologists and interventional radiologists, we are able to give you seamless, personalised care at every stage. Whether you need ongoing management or advanced surgical treatment, our approach ensures safe, effective support tailored to your needs.
Nephrology is the branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating kidney-related conditions. This includes managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), high blood pressure, and complications related to diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
Our nephrologists are kidney specialists who also manage kidney function and oversee dialysis treatment and kidney transplant care, helping those with chronic kidney disease, and monitoring patients who may be at a higher risk due to diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune conditions.
Our nephrologists are kidney specialists who also manage kidney function and oversee dialysis treatment and kidney transplant care, helping those with chronic kidney disease, and monitoring patients who may be at a higher risk due to diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune conditions.
If you’re experiencing signs of kidney problems, including: blood or protein in your urine, high blood pressure that’s hard to control, or swelling in your feet, ankles or hands, a long history of diabetes, or reduced kidney function on routine blood tests, then you should seek advice from a medical professional.
Our nephrology team manages a wide range of kidney and urinary tract conditions, including:
- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- Nephrotic syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Haematuria or proteinuria
- Vasculitis
- Lupus affecting the kidney
- Repeated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and pyelonephritis
- Kidney stones (in collaboration with urologists)
- Glomerulonephritis (including Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP))
- Sarcoidosis affecting the kidney and other interstitial renal disease
- Genetic kidney diseases such as adult polycystic kidney disease
Kidney conditions are diagnosed using a combination of:
- Blood tests
- Imaging scans (ultrasound, nuclear medicine scans, CT, or MRI)
- Kidney biopsy
- Urine tests
We offer a full range of treatments depending on the condition and stage. These include, but are not limited to:
- Blood pressure management
- Novel and emerging medications to treat diabetic kidney disease and autoimmune disease
- Dialysis (including holiday dialysis)
- Dietary support
We are a specialist centre for living donor kidney transplantation with a dedicated multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nephrologists, specialist nurses and radiologists.
Our multidisciplinary team will work closely with you to create a personalised, long-term treatment plan aimed at preserving kidney function and improving your quality of life.
Fast access to specialists
appointments confirmed within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
Multidisciplinary teams
expert treatment with specialist care for complex cases
Renal medicine services at HCA UK
Expert care at every stage
From diagnosis and treatment to ongoing management or surgery, our kidney specialists offer comprehensive care for a full range of conditions.
Whether you need help managing chronic kidney disease, preparing for dialysis, or finding cancer treatment, we’re here to provide tailored support, advanced therapies and access to highly specialised services.
Whether you need help managing chronic kidney disease, preparing for dialysis, or finding cancer treatment, we’re here to provide tailored support, advanced therapies and access to highly specialised services.
Your child’s health, in safe hands
At HCA UK, our paediatric nephrology specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of kidney and urinary conditions in babies, children and young people. From urinary tract infections to complex kidney disorders, we offer expert care using the latest diagnostics and pioneering treatments. Book your consultation today.
Kidney dialysis
Dialysis is a treatment used to filter waste products from the blood when the kidneys are not working properly.
Kidney transplant
End-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure is the most common reason for needing a kidney transplant
Holiday kidney dialysis
At HCA UK we can provide twice daily kidney dialysis to those needing treatment whilst on holiday or away form home.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Your nephrology treatment with HCA UK
What to expect
From the moment you step through the door, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible. One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of your time with us.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here or in the FAQs below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
You’ll begin with an appointment with one of our specialist nephrologists. They’ll talk to you about your medical history and discuss your current symptoms and any previous test results. You’ll have time to ask any questions you have in order to get a full understanding of what the next steps may involve.
02
Diagnostic tests
In order to get an accurate assessment of your kidney health, your consultant may recommend tests such as blood and urine analysis, imaging tests (including ultrasound, CT or MRI scans), or kidney function studies. Most of these tests can be carried out on-site, with minimal waiting times and co-ordinated support throughout.
03
Results and diagnosis
Your results will be reviewed by your consultant, often with input from a wider multidisciplinary team including radiologists and lab specialists. This collaborative approach helps us to ensure an accurate diagnosis and allows us to plan your care more effectively and tailor it more closely to your specific needs.
04
Follow-up consultation
At your next consultation, your consultant will talk you through your results, explain what they mean, and answer any questions. You’ll have all the time you need to ask any questions, and get a full understanding of the next steps.
05
Personalised treatment plan
If you need treatment, we’ll tailor it to your condition and personal preferences. This might include medication, dialysis, dietary advice, or surgical options such as kidney transplant or nephrectomy. In all of these cases, we’ll give you all the support you need with your treatment and ongoing care.
Locations
Find a private kidney specialist near you
You’ll find our renal consultants and kidney specialists across a number of our hospitals and clinics, offering personalised treatment in state-of-the-art facilities.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Renal medicine FAQs
Kidney disease often has no symptoms until it’s advanced. Some of the main symptoms to look out for include:
- Blood in your urine
- Frequent or painful urination
- High blood pressure
- Recurrent UTIs
- Swelling around the eyes or ankles
- Unexplained tiredness
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Being informed by a doctor that your GFR level is low
If you're concerned, book a GP appointment with us.
Early signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be subtle and include those listed above, as well as:
- Changes in urination, such as frequency, colour, or foaming
- Difficulty concentrating or mental fog
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
- Persistent itching or dry skin
Because these signs can also be linked to other health conditions, it’s important to speak to a doctor if you notice any of them – especially if you have additional risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Early detection can help slow progression and improve outcomes.
Many kidney conditions can be managed very effectively, especially when identified early. Some may resolve on their own, while others require long-term monitoring or treatment. Our goal is always to support your health and quality of life, with a plan tailored to your needs.
Dialysis is a treatment that performs some of your kidney functions when they can no longer work properly. It helps remove waste products, excess fluids and toxins from your blood.
There are two main types of dialysis:
- Haemodialysis: This is where your blood is filtered through a machine outside the body
- Peritoneal dialysis: This treatment uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood inside the body
Dialysis is usually needed when chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage (also called kidney failure). We’ll work closely with you to determine the right time to start treatment based on your specific circumstances, including your symptoms, blood test results and overall health.
Yes, many people on dialysis continue to enjoy holidays and at HCA UK we offer the planning and support for patients to travel. This is often referred to as holiday dialysis .
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know before you travel. You’ll need to bring along any medications you normally take – especially those used during dialysis, such as erythropoietin injections, alfacalcidol, and vitamin supplements.
If you're on any form of blood-thinning treatment, please let us know in advance or bring it with you so we can ensure it's safely managed while you're away.
To help us plan your care, we’ll also ask for recent blood test results ahead of time. Holiday dialysis bookings should be made at least four to six weeks before you travel to allow plenty of time for arrangements.
As with any medical treatment, there may be some risks or side effects. Your consultant will talk you through everything so you feel fully informed and confident before your trip.
Yes, in most cases we ask for a referral from your GP or our HCA UK Primary Care team. This helps us to make sure we have the right background information and can coordinate your care effectively from the moment you’re in our care.
Put simply, a nephrologist specialises in medical (non-surgical) kidney care. Typically, they will manage conditions including chronic kidney disease , glomerulonephritis and dialysis.
A urologist is a surgical specialist who treats issues involving the urinary tract and male reproductive system, such as kidney stones, bladder problems, or prostate conditions.
Nephrologists and urologists work together when a condition overlaps. At HCA UK, they will do so as part of a multidisciplinary team, pooling their expertise to make sure the patient is getting exactly the treatment they need for their specific circumstances.
A urologist is a surgical specialist who treats issues involving the urinary tract and male reproductive system, such as kidney stones, bladder problems, or prostate conditions.
Nephrologists and urologists work together when a condition overlaps. At HCA UK, they will do so as part of a multidisciplinary team, pooling their expertise to make sure the patient is getting exactly the treatment they need for their specific circumstances.
Our patients' stories
"Truly remarkable" kidney surgery: Jeff’s story
After seeing his GP for a routine check-up, and being referred for further tests, Jeff was stunned to discover that he in fact had been living with kidney cancer for several years.
"Seeking a second opinion saved my life"
When Ruth was told that the treatment she was undergoing for kidney cancer was having a reduced effect and that the tumour in her kidney was inoperable, she decided to seek a second opinion to see if any other treatment options could be explored.
“The team went above and beyond the call of duty to care for me and made sure that I felt supported and reassured the whole way through my treatment.”
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