Chinese link with local renal unit builds on University initiatives
Links with a nephrology unit in Nantong China developed by University researchers have now led to Leicester’s Hospitals’ John Walls Renal Unit becoming a “sister renal centre” as part of the International Society of Nephrology Sister Renal Center (SRC) Programme.
The SRC Programme helps improve how nephrology (medicine dealing with the physiology and diseases of the kidneys) is practiced in emerging countries by linking emerging renal centres or units with established centres of excellence in the developed world.
An ambitious programme is in development in conjunction with the University of Leicester, in particular the Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation within the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology. This will build on a number of existing initiatives with Nantong that Dr Bin Yang and Professor Peter Andrew have developed.
The Renal Unit at Leicester General Hospital was established on 1st January 1974 with the appointment of Dr John Walls as the first Consultant Nephrologist in Leicestershire. Originally called the Leicestershire Area Renal Unit, the name was changed to the Department of Nephrology in the 1980s reflecting its broader work as both a clinical and research unit involved in all aspects of kidney disease. Following the death of then Professor John Walls in 2001 it was renamed in his honour as The John Walls Renal Unit. He was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Nephrology by the University of Leicester in 1990.