How does KHIS work  All Kidney Health Information Service (KHIS) calls to this service are answered by a trained receptionist. Then a message is sent to one of our Health Services Managers, who is a trained renal nurse or social worker.

What does KHIS process your query?  Calls are initially answered by a trained receptionist (you will first be asked to listen to a heath disclaimer announcement to inform you about the process to register your call). A message is then sent to a Health Services Manager. Your call is returned as soon as possible and information is provided which is relevant to your enquiry. If for some reason our Health Manager is unable to reach the caller, the Health Manager will make a maximum of three attempts over a 48 hour period to respond to your request. It is important to note that this service does not provide specific medical advice. Should the caller require further information or education, they are advised to consult their doctor or health professional.

What types of enquiries are dealt with on KHIS?  The most popular calls received are in regards to diet, transplantation, disease states, chronic kidney disease and dialysis. There are also a number of enquiries in relation to practical advice on topics such as holidaying on dialysis or find information on insurance. Some callers wish to find out more about a particular disease state or condition, or are seeking advice in regards to their rights as a patient.

Consumer based programs

Kidney Connect Program - Want to connect with others like you?  Kidney Health Australia has a number of initiatives which provide you with support from people going through similar experiences to you. This program links you directly with someone who you can talk to about your experiences with kidney disease and listen to their journey. Ask our trained Health Services Managers for more information on what support services are available for you.  

Australian Holiday Dialysis Konnections  This is Kidney Health Australia's initiative to connect individuals on dialysis in different locations in Australia - you may be able to arrange a vary your routine a little, travel interstate for a special occasion, or enjoy a well earned holiday. This program allows you to identify possible travel options - we facilitate the exchange of contact information with another registered AHD Konnectee - you then liaise directly with this person to identify a ‘chair swap’ for the period you request. Refer to our Dialysis Unit Guide for more information on where a local unit is based in Australia and other dialysis unit contact information.

Your Consumer Participation Councils  These Councils have been established in each state to identify, and are informed of, advocacy issues affecting individuals living with kidney and urinary tract disease, their families and carers and all state Councils report to a National Consumer Council who manage these issues on behalf of our 'kidney' community.

Use our Kidney Blog and YAP Space Forum and Chatrooms  Speak out and be heard and share with others your experiences with CKD and problems. A problem shared is halved.

The Australian Kidney Patient Charter  Our National Consumer Council prioritised twenty four Principles of Optimal Care for Australians with CKD and clearly sets out your rights as an Australian with chronic kidney disease.

Kidney Camps, Capers and Holiday Activities  These programs are organised for Kidney Kids, their families or carers and adults who have kidney disease, are on dialysis, and/or have received a transplant. 

Kidney Kids Camp - For children aged between 7 and 17 years, who are affected by kidney disease. It is an annual five-day camp conducted in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania on a 12–18 month rotational basis with the aim of national implementation in the near future.

Kidney Capers - An action-packed daytime fun-filled program to give children and parents/carers with an opportunity for social networking and a welcome break from their normal routine. Held for the first time in 2002, this program now attracts up to 60 participants in each State. To find out more about your state's Kidney Capers, contact your local Kidney Health Australia Branch Office.

WA Adult Holiday Dialysis Program - Families applying, who fit this criteria receive an annual week's holiday break in the beautiful south-west town of Busselton, Western Australia by using a temporary dialysis unit.

Family Accommodation Initiative - Transplant Housing (FAITH)  This program provides fully furnished accommodation for Western Australian families who need to travel to Perth for living kidney transplants. Since the launch of FAITH in Western Australia, Kidney Health Australia has provided numerous rural families with much needed lengthy stays accommodation, which they could not otherwise afford. The FAITH Progam has also assisted families travel from Victoria and Queensland to participate in kidney transplants in Western Australia.

Newsletters and Bulletins  Call your Kidney Health Australia state office if you would like to join our Health Professionals or Consumer newsletter mailing lists; alternatively join us online at www.kidney.org.au

Organ Donation Awareness  Kidney Health Australia actively encourages Australians to become organ donors but we do not manage organ and tissue donation registration nor the retrieval and transplantation of organs. We refer all enquiries to either the Organ Donor Registry or the relevant state organ donation agencies.