About Us

who we are

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) is a registered national charitable voluntary organisation founded in 1978. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of people living with or affected by end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). These needs are spread across all aspects of life – medical, social, economic, and psychological. The profile of the kidney patient ranges from early life to the elderly who are undergoing various methods of treatment, haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or CAPD and patients who have received a kidney transplant.

The IKA is an organisation for patients and their families which is led by patients and their families.

The IKA also promotes organ donation.

VHI Women's Mini Marathon | Irish Kidney Association

Our Mission

To be the national patient-led organisation which supports, educates, and advocates for people living with or likely to be affected by end-stage kidney disease.

Vision

To bring about the best quality of life for those affected by end-stage kidney disease, with quality and equality in their care and treatment.

The IKA places the rights, needs, and wants of patients and their families at the centre of all we do. We respect and listen to patients and their families, respond to them with support and compassion, and empower them in their journey with end-stage kidney disease. We believe patients must be involved in kidney policy.

The IKA is built on the principles of volunteerism, where, as a collective group, there is generosity and commitment of time and effort in the service of others. Without our volunteers the Association could not support patients and their families in the way we do. The ethos of volunteerism is fundamental to the continued work of the IKA.

The IKA is committed to the principle of equality: that all patients have the right to equal care and treatment, and to IKA support. The IKA works with and advocates for patients to achieve this, particularly with those that are vulnerable.

The IKA believes that we are stronger and more effective when working together: working with our patients, our families, our Board, our Branch Officers and members, our staff, the medical professionals, our donors, and the voluntary and the statutory sector, to achieve the best outcomes for those living with or affected by end-stage kidney disease. We are committed to a collaborative, partnership approach.

The IKA wants to work on behalf of end-stage kidney patients in the most effective way, embracing creativity and innovation and leading change where this allows us to better serve the needs of patients and their families, and funding research to develop new care and treatment options for patients.

The IKA is committed to the highest standards of quality, both in our own work and in the services provided by others to end-stage renal patients and their families. We strive for quality in all we do, and we advocate for quality improvements from the health system in the care, treatment, and support for patients.

Supporting Patients, Every Step Of The Way

our services

Patient Support

End Stage Kidney Disease impacts health and work. Our Patient Support Team is here for you.

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Support Centres

Safe and welcoming spaces offering practical assistance and comfort for kidney patients and their families.

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Patient Holidays

Special holiday programs that give kidney patients the chance to travel and relax with peace of mind.

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Counselling

Confidential counseling and peer support networks providing guidance, empathy, and encouragement.

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Peer Support

Service for people living with end stage kidney disease, provided by patients who have gone through similar experiences themselves.

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our team

the people behind our mission

chief executive

carol moore

Carol is a fellow member of Chartered Accountants Ireland with over 30 years’ experience working in private and public organisations in management and consultancy roles. She holds a Masters in Psychology, post graduate qualifications in social science, education and psychometrics and she is a qualified mediator.

Since joining the Irish Kidney Association in October 2020, Carol has introduced a new strategy and led a successful campaign to ensure kidney patients are prioritised for vaccination. She has also supported compliance with the Charities Governance Code while developing new patient and families services with a new peer support service being launched in 2023.

Fun fact: Carol can’t wait for any excuse to celebrate or mark an occasion with cakes, cards and presents. Birthdays in the office are always celebrated with a cake or two!