The National Renal Advisory Board (NRAB) was disestablished in November 2023 and a transition made to the Renal National Clinical Network which is part of the broader National Clinical Network programme. Read more about the Renal National Clinical Network.

Dialysis treatment, necessary for people with End Stage Renal Disease, has a significant impact on the lives of both patients and their families. The provision of renal replacement therapy for kidney failure, the various forms of dialysis therapy and renal transplantation, is complex and expensive.

Establishment

The National Renal Advisory Board (NRAB) was established by senior clinicians in the early 1990s to address significant issues in renal service provision that require a consistent national approach.

Role

Currently the NRAB defines its role as supporting provision of renal services for patients by:

  • providing expert advice on all aspects of renal service provision
  • identifying priorities for renal service development
  • advising on renal service development at a DHB, regional or national level
  • developing and maintaining renal care standards
  • ensuring audit activities of renal services are undertaken regularly
  • involving consumers in decision making
  • promoting the monitoring of chronic kidney disease.

Representation

The NRAB represents key stakeholders, clinical and managerial leaders from a range of DHBs with renal services, and also relevant professional and consumer groups, including the New Zealand Nephrology Group, the Renal Society of Australasia (New Zealand branch), the New Zealand Board of Dialysis Practice and Kidney Health New Zealand.

Members liaise and consult with the stakeholder groups they represent, in formulating advice from the NRAB to Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Health.