Enter and view: Evelina London Kidney Transplant Unit

Healthwatch Lambeth worked with four young people to assess the youth-friendliness of the Kidney Transplant Unit at Evelina London. Interviews with patients, relatives and staff found extremely positive views of the service. Patients and families consistently praised the quality of care, describing staff as friendly, professional and approachable. Young people felt involved in decisions about their treatment, able to ask questions freely and well informed about their condition and care plans. 

The clinic was found to have strong arrangements for supporting young people towards independence and transfer to adult kidney services. Staff described a structured transition process involving dedicated coordinators and opportunities for young people to spend time alone with clinicians. However, most patients and relatives did not recognise these activities as part of a formal transition programme, suggesting that the language and explanation used may not clearly communicate the purpose of the support being provided. 

The environment was generally viewed as clean, welcoming and safe, with good facilities and activities for younger children. However, the waiting area could become crowded during busy periods and offered limited activities for teenagers and parents. Participants also noted long waits for blood test results, limited visibility of charging points, and difficulties navigating the hospital due to small signs and English-only wayfinding information. Staff similarly felt there was insufficient dedicated space for young people.

Healthwatch recommended clearer communication about the transition process, larger and more accessible signage, greater promotion of participation opportunities, more age-appropriate activities for teenagers, and improvements to waiting areas. Despite these suggestions, the report concluded that the clinic delivered an excellent standard of care, with strong patient engagement, effective multidisciplinary support and highly positive relationships between staff, patients and families.