User:Agimol Pradeep

I am currently working as a Transplant Recipient Co-ordinator at the Central Manchester Foundation Trust. I completed my MSc in Nursing with help from Kidneys for Life and I am really thankful for this great opportunity.

I have worked for over 14 years in the renal field both in the UK and India. This experience taught me that transplant is the best treatment option if available compared to all other treatments for kidney failure patients. Also in my current role I faced the challenging question from some of the patients, who have been waiting on the list for the transplant more than four years, questioning why they are not getting this precious opportunity to receive a transplant. When I searched for an answer to this, I could not find much on this topic (especially on the topic of South Asian donor scarcity). So when I was asked by my lecturer to find a topic for my dissertation I did not think twice and decided on finding out why there is scarcity of cadaveric organ donors from the South Asian community.

I received an outstanding achievement award for the highest Masters Dissertation mark reflecting the high quality research work undertaken. I also developed a passion for the research topic and gained fundamental skills in good practice research. I was shortlisted for the NORAH REES award for my work on this topic and received overwhelming support regarding the significance of the work from the North West Alliance Transplant meeting, earlier this year. My passion for the subject within my work as well has helped me gain support from the South Asian patient population.

Following completion of my study, on advice from my academic supervisors and my renal and transplant team I submitted my application for PhD study on the same topic. This was accepted by the Salford University and I commenced my PhD course in October 2011. Through this study I am trying to extend my Master’s study findings to a higher level, at the same time extending my skills to become a competent clinical researcher, a future resource to support renal staff in practice and above all try to find a solution for this scarcity of donors to help the patients who are waiting for this precious gift of life. I have received a grant from the British Renal Society for this project. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all of my managers, friends and colleagues for their great support, without whose help this would not have been. Please visit the link below and post your valuable comments. Thank you very much.

<www.southasianorgandonor.org.uk