Your donations supporting staff learning, knowledge sharing and development

  • Written by Anita Kincade
  • Posted: 24 Jul 2026
  • 2 min read

We have recently supported a group of staff, who work in in the renal team at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB), to attend the European Renal Association (ERA) Conference in Glasgow, the largest nephrology conference in Europe, bringing together more than 10,000 delegates from across the world.

The Conference is a major international event and a really important opportunity for staff working in renal services to present research, share learning and connect with their peers working at the forefront of kidney care.

It's down to donations and fundraising to our charity’s support that has helped ensure UHDB clinicians could take part in this important event, showcasing their work, learning from others and bringing valuable insight back to our hospitals that will directly benefit patient care.

Investing in knowledge, innovation and patient care

The funding supported colleagues from the Centre for Kidney Research and Innovation, an active and ambitious research department within the Trust. The team works across a wide range of renal sub‑specialties, including:

By attending the ERA Conference, team members had the chance to present original research that has been carried out at

UHDB. Presenting at an international conference is a significant professional achievement and an important way to contribute to the global nephrology community.

Professor Nick Selby, Professor of Nephrology

Collaboration, networking and new ideas

Beyond presenting research, the conference provides invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration. Building connections with peers from other organisations can bring new ideas, support future research projects and strengthen partnerships that benefit patients over the long term. It also enhances the reputation of UHDB as an NHS Trust that values and supports research.

"These professional connections are especially important in specialist areas like nephrology, where innovation and collaboration play a crucial role in improving outcomes for patients with complex and long‑term conditions", said Professor Selby.

Bringing learning back to the team

The impact of this charity funding doesn’t stop when the conference ends. On returning, attendees meet with the wider renal department to share learning, reflect on new ideas and discuss how insights from the conference can be applied locally.

This approach helps ensure that knowledge gained benefits the whole team, not just those who attended, and supports improvements in patient care, ongoing staff development, training and service improvement across the department.

Making a lasting difference through charity support

By funding attendance at conferences like ERA, our charity is helping to develop staff, support innovation and strengthen patient care across our hospitals. Investing in professional development enables clinicians to remain at the cutting edge of their field, driving improvements that ultimately benefit patients and families.

We are incredibly proud to be able to support opportunities that allow our UHDB colleagues to grow, collaborate and showcase the outstanding work happening within our Trust, which, ultimately, benefits patients and families. It is only through donations and fundraising that we can support our incredible staff. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to our supporters as their continued generosity is what makes all of this possible.

Jill Matthews, Chief Officer Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity

A fundamental concept is that units who are research active are also those who deliver high quality clinical care. The support for renal research from Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, and their supporters, is therefore both hugely appreciated and is extremely impactful for our patients.

Professor Selby, Professor of Nephrology

How you can help us support staff and patients

Every contribution, big or small, helps us make a difference to patients, their families, and the staff who care for them. If you'd like to support our work, there are plenty of ways to get involved: