A pioneering Welsh nurse has been awarded a landmark £200,000 fellowship from Kidney Research UK, recognising the vital role of nurses in leading innovative research to improve patient care.
Sarah McMillan, a vascular access specialist and Lead Nurse for the Welsh Kidney Network, has received the charity’s first-ever Nursing Research Fellowship, made possible by Kidney Research UK with a significant £60,000 contribution from Kidney Wales and support from the Northern Counties Kidney Research Fund and the Association of Nephrology Nurses. This investment highlights a growing recognition of the critical role nurses play in shaping and driving healthcare research.
With just under 20 years of experience in kidney care, Sarah specialises in vascular access, ensuring patients undergoing haemodialysis have the best possible treatment experience. She holds a Master’s degree and a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in ultrasound, enhancing her clinical expertise, and is the lead nurse for the Welsh Kidney Network which is responsible for commissioning kidney services on a national level in Wales. This 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).
Haemodialysis, a life-sustaining treatment that filters waste from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so effectively, requires a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein – known as an arteriovenous (AV) fistula – to facilitate blood flow to and from the dialysis machine. Complications such as stenosis, a narrowing that stops blood from flowing effectively through the fistula, can limit dialysis, require further operations and lead to failure.
Sarah’s research will focus on identifying risk factors for stenosis by analysing healthcare data from patients who are being/have been dialysed via an arteriovenous fistula. She will also interview patients who have experienced complications to gain first-hand insight into the challenges they face.
This fellowship addresses a critical gap in nurse-led research leadership. Despite nurses comprising a substantial portion of the NHS workforce, their representation among research leaders remains disproportionately low. A 2023 study highlighted that while nurses increasingly pursue doctorates, few lead major funded projects, often due to limited access to mentorship and research-supportive environments.
Kidney Research UK is committed to changing this by enabling nurse-led research, ensuring nurses have the funding and support to lead projects that transform patient care. Working alongside Kidney Wales and the Association of Nephrology Nurses UK to harness the expertise of the kidney community, these grants will help break down barriers for nurses in research, providing them with the tools to advance their careers, influence policy, and drive better outcomes for kidney patients.
Sarah told us….
“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.”
Ross Evans, managing director 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”
