The UK Kidney Association welcomes Ginny Quan and Stephen John as the new Co-Chairs of its Clinical Directors Group.

The group brings together clinical directors from kidney services across the UK to share experience, discuss the major challenges and priorities affecting services and identify issues requiring national action. Its annual Clinical Directors Forum provides an important opportunity for senior leaders to learn from one another and help shape the future of kidney care.

Stephen and Ginny succeed Marie Condon, who has chaired the group since 2022. We thank Marie for her leadership and contribution during her time as Chair.

Ginny Quan said:

"I am excited to be taking on the role of Co-Chair of the Clinical Directors Group along with Steve. My renal interests are in transplantation, particularly in living donor assessment, and in home haemodialysis. For the last 7 years I have shared the CD role at Epsom and St Helier and have become increasingly interested in how we can run an efficient and equitable service that works for all patients, not just those who live near a renal unit. I have found the CD forums supportive, informative and most of all fun-a chance to let off steam and to pick other brains for new ideas. We will continue in this tradition and aim to further develop support, especially for new CDs. The CD group is ideally positioned to understand the issues that are inhibiting improvement in renal care across units, and I would hope to focus the group's efforts on highlighting these nationally."

Stephen John said:

"I’m really pleased to be co-chairing this group with Ginny, and look forward to working with the steering group, UKKA team and all CD colleagues. I work in Birmingham, was Clinical Director for 4 years and now am Divisional Deputy MD for Medicine. I also chair the Systems Optimisation group within our Regional Network. I’m keen to help us use our joint knowledge, experience and connections to support each other, and to use the strength of the UKKA to advocate for the resources we need to deliver excellent patient care across the UK."

Ginny and Stephen will work with the Clinical Directors Group steering group and Clinical Directors across the UK to support collaboration between kidney units and ensure the issues affecting services are represented nationally.