We are working together with the health innovation networks across England to roll out a successful care model to improve kidney care.
The LUCID – Connecting kidney care programme improves patient outcomes through early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD), early intervention and optimisation, while maximising productivity and value for money.
An economic analysis commissioned by the Health Innovation Network highlights the massive potential that could be achieved by rolling out the programme across England:
- £69.4 million potential benefits in year one
- £334.9 million potential benefits over five years
- Over five years, an estimated £3.25 return for every £1 invested.
In the West of England, we are working with primary and secondary care teams across our three integrated care systems: Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire; Gloucestershire; and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to introduce the new programme.
The model bridges the gap between primary and secondary care by integrating management of CKD. It has four main principles:
- LUCID multi-disciplinary team meetings (MDTs) are established, ensuring a more joined-up approach between hospital and GP practice care teams.
- Steps are put in place to identify patients more at risk of kidney disease.
- Training is provided for clinicians, and patients are better informed and able to manage their care.
- Ongoing healthcare management is optimised.
In the UK, over 3 million people live with the most severe stages of kidney disease (stages 3-5) and this is rising rapidly. Here in the West of England, the figure is nearly 127,000 people.
People with kidney disease face increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The total annual economic burden of kidney disease in the UK is £7.0 billion, with £6.4 billion being direct costs to the NHS – about 3.2% of NHS budgets. This translates as an economic burden of £553 million in the West of England, will £511 million of this being direct costs to the NHS. (Data: Kidney Research UK – health economics report and dashboard)
For more information, visit our LUCID project page.
The original LUCID programme was developed through a Joint Working Agreement between the John Walls Renal Unit at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and AstraZeneca UK. That Joint Working project has concluded, and AstraZeneca UK has now signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Health Innovation East Midlands to share expertise and insights on the future implementation and scaling of LUCID.
Posted on November 11, 2026
