Welsh Nurse Awarded Landmark Kidney Research UK Fellowship to Improve Kidney Care in partnership with Kidney Wales
Kidney Wales is proud to celebrate the achievements of Mrs Sarah McMillan, a dedicated vascular access specialist and Lead Nurse for the Welsh Kidney Network, who has been awarded a pioneering £200,000 fellowship from Kidney Research UK. This groundbreaking Nursing Research Fellowship, the first of its kind, recognises the critical role of nurses in leading innovative research to improve patient care.
A Major Investment in Nurse-Led Research
Made possible by Kidney Research UK with a significant £60,000 contribution from Kidney Wales, alongside support from the Northern Counties Kidney Research Fund and the Association of Nephrology Nurses, this fellowship marks a significant step in advancing kidney care. The investment highlights the growing recognition of the essential contributions that nurses make to shaping and driving healthcare research.
Sarah brings nearly 20 years of experience in kidney care, specialising in vascular access to ensure patients undergoing haemodialysis receive the best possible treatment experience. Holding a Master’s degree and a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in ultrasound, she plays a vital role in commissioning kidney services on a national level as the lead nurse for the Welsh Kidney Network.
Research to Enhance Haemodialysis Treatment
This prestigious fellowship will enable Sarah to undertake a PhD at Cardiff University and the Wales Kidney Research Unit under the supervision of Dr Jessica Baillie (Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing) and Mr Usman Khalid (Consultant Transplant Surgeon and Clinical Senior Lecturer).
Her research will focus on improving outcomes for haemodialysis patients by identifying risk factors for stenosis—narrowing of blood vessels—which can lead to complications requiring further surgical interventions. By analysing healthcare data and conducting interviews with patients who have experienced these challenges, Sarah aims to develop insights that will lead to better treatment approaches and improved patient experiences.
Breaking Barriers for Nurse-Led Research
Despite nurses making up a substantial portion of the NHS workforce, they remain underrepresented in leading major funded research projects. A 2023 study highlighted that while more nurses are pursuing doctorates, they often face barriers in securing leadership roles in research due to limited access to mentorship and funding.
Kidney Research UK, in partnership with Kidney Wales and the Association of Nephrology Nurses UK, is committed to changing this landscape. By providing dedicated funding and support for nurse-led research, these organisations are breaking down barriers and ensuring that nurses have the resources to advance their careers, influence policy, and drive meaningful improvements in kidney patient care.
Kidney Wales is delighted to support this vital initiative and looks forward to seeing the impact of Sarah’s research on the kidney community in Wales and beyond.
Ross Evans, CEO of Kidney Wales, also commented: “Kidney Wales has a long and proud history of funding research conducted in Wales, and we are delighted to continue our collaboration with Kidney Research UK, which was first established in 2022. This fellowship highlights the vital role that nurses in Wales play in clinical research, while also driving meaningful improvements in dialysis care. Nurses bring a unique combination of clinical expertise and patient insight, enabling them to better understand and support patient decision-making. Sarah’s project has the potential to make a significant difference in the quality of life for kidney patients everywhere, and we are excited to see the impact of her work”
Sarah said: “I am incredibly grateful to Kidney Research UK for this opportunity. This fellowship will help me develop my research skills and achieve my long-term goal of becoming a clinical academic. Nurses bring unique perspectives to patient experiences and can address evidence gaps that will ultimately lead to better care. I hope this research makes a real difference for dialysis patients now and in the future.”
Elaine Davies, director of research operations at Kidney Research UK, said “This fellowship not only underscores the vital role of nurses in clinical research but also paves the way for practical improvements in dialysis care. By investing in nurse-led research, we are ensuring that those on the frontline of patient care have the resources and support needed to drive meaningful change. Sarah’s project has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for kidney patients, and we are excited to see the impact of her work.”