The UK Kidney Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Kristin Veighey and Dr Rupert Major as national clinical leads for the Integrated CKD project - an ambitious UK-wide initiative to improve the early identification and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Together, they bring complementary expertise spanning primary and secondary care, research, education and health system transformation.

Dr Kristin Veighey brings a rare combination of frontline clinical experience and strategic insight across both general practice and nephrology. As a nephrologist, GP registrar and NIHR academic fellow, she has led innovative, community-based approaches to CKD care, with a particular focus on tackling health inequalities. Her work includes the SPOT-CKD project and the development of a GP with Extended Role (GPwER) framework for kidney health in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners. Her experience co-creating services with patients, public health teams and community partners ensures that inclusive, practical models of care and education remain central to the project’s design and delivery.

Dr Rupert Major is a nationally recognised clinical academic nephrologist and a leading voice in integrated CKD care. He developed and leads the LUCID programme - an award-winning model that has redefined how CKD is identified, risk-stratified and managed across primary and secondary care in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Dr Major has played a key role in embedding the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) into national guidance and local systems and brings extensive experience in data-led service design, stakeholder engagement and systems-level innovation. His leadership will help scale and embed proven models of early intervention and prevention across the UK.

Together, Dr Veighey and Dr Major bring diverse clinical insights, proven leadership and a shared commitment to reshaping kidney care to be more proactive, joined-up, effective and equitable.

Their appointment comes at a pivotal moment. The Integrated CKD project, led by the UKKA, is a national effort to detect CKD earlier and intervene sooner. With an estimated 7.2 million people in the UK living with CKD, many undiagnosed, early action is essential to prevent progression, improve quality of life and limit avoidable harm.

The project aligns closely with the NHS 10-Year Plan’s “three shifts”. It supports the transition from analogue to digital through improved coding, tracking and risk stratification. It aims to shift care from hospitals to communities by enabling kidney centres to mentor primary care teams and by sharing models of joined-up care delivery. Through early identification, medicine optimisation and reducing unnecessary referrals, the project aims to keep diagnosis and management in the community whenever possible. Finally, it supports the shift from treatment to prevention by equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to take early, proactive steps to slow disease progression.

The UKKA is working in close partnership with primary care societies across cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity and hypertension to maximise our reach and deliver more integrated care for patients with overlapping risk profiles. At the same time, we are dedicated to maintaining a strong focus on ensuring that people with primary kidney diseases -often younger and at high risk of progression - are not overlooked.

Through education, case-based learning, mentoring and commissioning support, the Integrated CKD project is laying the groundwork for a more proactive and equitable approach to kidney care across the UK.

The UKKA received a number of outstanding applications for these leadership roles and extends sincere thanks to all who applied. The depth and quality of interest reflect the energy, talent, and momentum behind efforts to transform early CKD care at scale.

Boehringer Ingelheim has provided funding towards this education, training, and mentorship programme. Boehringer Ingelheim has had no editorial input into or influence on the agenda, collateral content of this programme including the selection of speakers, trainers and mentors.