Kidney Care UK campaign sparks warning to NHS bosses
The news that people were finding out they have chronic kidney disease via the NHS App has prompted NHS England leaders to take action.
Kidney Care UK has spent two years campaigning on this issue, culminating in the release of its Falling through the G-App report at the end of 2025.
The report called for systemic changes to ensure thousands of people do not receive a diagnosis via the NHS App, without the support and context needed to come to terms with the news.
Overall, almost 4 in 10 did not have the opportunity to discuss their diagnosis with a healthcare professional.
In a perspective written especially for the report, PIF director Sophie Randall said: "The result of this absolute failure in communication is shock, anxiety and fear. A lack of education makes it harder for people to make changes or benefit from treatment that can slow progression of their disease. This is both a human tragedy and a huge cost to the NHS as demand rises for dialysis and transplant.
"People diagnosed by apps turn to online searches to find out more. But the rapid deployment of AI overviews is creating barriers for people seeking information and support from UK charities."
NHS Trusts told to ‘take immediate action’
A letter from NHS England leaders has now been sent to NHS Trusts and integrated care boards. It asks them to take immediate action to avoid people finding out about health conditions like kidney disease without the opportunity for a discussion with their healthcare professionals.
Existing NHS guidelines state that 'patients shouldn’t be receiving serious diagnoses through digital channels without adequate support or context'.
However, Kidney Care UK that 1 in 10 people found out about their kidney disease diagnosis via the NHS App.
Making sure guidelines are followed
Kidney Care UK will be checking whether these actions have been carried out across England and if fewer people are finding out their diagnosis via the NHS App without supporting information or support.
They are asking members of the kidney community to continue to share their kidney diagnosis experience.
To find out more, visit the Kidney Care UK website.