Advanced Kidney Care Clinic (AKCC; formerly the Low Clearance Clinic)

You have been referred to the Advance Kidney Care Clinic by your GP, hospital doctor or a renal (Kidney) doctor.

This clinic supports people with advanced Chronic Kidney Disease, (CKD) where kidney function has reduced to around 15–20% of normal. At this stage, closer monitoring and specialist care can help manage symptoms, reduce complications, and plan future treatment if needed.

During your appointments, the kidney care team will discuss the different treatment options available to you, including dialysis, kidney transplantation, and supportive care. Together, we will help you decide which treatment is most suitable for your individual needs and lifestyle.

You will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. We encourage you to bring a family member, friend, or carer with you for support if you wish.

Our aim is to provide you with the information, guidance, and support your need to make informed decisions about your kidney care and future treatment options

About your clinic appointment

Your first clinic appointment will take place on Wednesday from 1:00pm (1300 hrs). Follow-up appointments are weekly on Thursday afternoons from 2:00pm (1400 hrs). Pending your blood results. Patients usually attend clinic approximately every 3 months, depending on their individual needs.

At each visit, your weight and blood pressure will be checked. You will also be asked to bring a small urine sample with you. Occasionally, you may be asked to collect urine over a 24-hour period. Regular blood tests will also be carried out to monitor your kidney function and overall health. These tests help us assess the progress of your chronic kidney disease and ensure you receive the most appropriate care. Please bring an up-to-date list of your medications to every appointment. This helps us keep accurate records and ensures your GP can prescribe the correct medicines for you. After each clinic visit, your GP will receive a letter outlining your progress and any changes to your treatment plan. You will also receive a copy of this letter for your own records.

As every person’s condition and needs are different, the advice and treatment recommendations you receive will be tailored specifically to you.

During your clinic visits, you may meet different members of the Renal Services team involved in your care, including doctors, specialist nurses, and sometimes a dietitian or other healthcare professionals, depending on your individual needs.

About the team caring for you

Renal Consultant/ Specialist Registrar

The renal doctors looking after your care will explain your kidney condition and how reduced kidney function may affect your health. They will discuss both your current treatment and any future treatment options that may become necessary, including dialysis and kidney transplantation.

The aim is to help you understand your condition, answer any questions you may have, and support you in making informed decisions about your care. The doctors will provide as much information as you would like and will keep you informed about any investigations, treatments, or interventions that may be needed to help you stay as healthy as possible.

Renal Nurse Specialist

The renal nurse specialist will explain your treatment options and support you in making informed decisions about your care. Understanding your kidney condition is important, and to help with this, information is provided in a range of formats including leaflets, books, and ongoing discussions with the healthcare team. You may also be invited to attend group or one-to-one education sessions when appropriate.

The renal nurse specialist reviews your kidney function after each clinic visit and will organise any necessary medication changes or referrals to other healthcare professionals or services. They will keep you updated on your progress and blood results, and information may be shared by phone, letter, or email depending on your preference. You’re also welcome to contact the team Monday through Friday, between 9 AM and 5 PM, with any questions or concerns.

Further information and useful resources are available via the links provided at the end of this patient information.

Renal Dietitian

You may need to make changes to your diet to help manage the effects of reduced kidney function. The dietitian will discuss these changes with you when needed and advise you on which foods to reduce, increase, or avoid. You may also be advised to limit your fluid intake, and guidance will be given on how to do this in a way that is manageable and does not feel too restrictive.

Renal Anaemia

One of the most common complications of chronic kidney disease is anaemia. If required, the anaemia nurse specialist will explain what anaemia is and how it is linked to kidney disease. There are several treatment options available to help correct anaemia, and ongoing monitoring of your blood results will help the team decide which treatment is most appropriate at each stage. These options will be discussed with you as needed.

Useful links

• Dialysis: making the right choices for you (opens in a new tab) – Kidney Research UK
• Your guide to living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (opens in a new tab) – Baxter
• Living with kidney disease (opens in a new tab) – Yorkshire Dialysis and Conservative Care Decision Aid (YoDCA) study team

Contact details

Renal nurse specialist: 01223 400183

Renal anaemia nurse specialist: 01223 400187

Renal dietitian: 01223 216655

Home Therapy Team: 01223 400184

Renal Vascular Access: 01223 400182

Cambridge Dialysis Centre: 01223 400180

Please call us with any queries you may have.