Meet Rob Finnigan The North West Kidney Network Patient Voice Manager
**UPDATE**
The North West Kidney Network (NWKN) is the first kidney network to directly integrate a patient with lived experience of kidney problems directly into the network structure. The NWKN team feels this promotes collaboration, patient centred focus and true integration of the patient and kidney communities voice into the networks service plans and developments.
In August 2025 Rob Finnigan, our Patient Voice Manager decided to step back from his work with the Network and have some well deserved time to spend with his loving family. Rob has been at the forefront of all of our work over the past few years and has been instrumental in all of our projects.
Rob brought a wealth of experience as he described in his journey below-
"My Name is Rob Finnigan and I’m a kidney patient working within the North West Kidney Network (NWKN). My kidneys failed because of a diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease which I inherited from my mother and have passed on to my son. I’m in my 22nd year post transplant.
My role within the network is to ensure that patients are at the heart of the NWKN. We work with a small group of patients, who support our workstreams and events by sharing their experiences of kidney disease and bringing new insight. I wouldn’t be here today without the support of my wife and son. As patients we all know the diagnosis of kidney disease affects the whole family."
**UPDATE October 2025**
" I’m beginning this message on a personal note. I’ll be 70 later this week and I have decided to step down from my role in the network as I want to have some me time while I can. The past 3 years of working in the North West Kidney Network (NWKN) have been a joy. A huge thank you to Vicky, Libby, Mandy and Andy for involving me in the workstreams and to all the nurses, clinicians and patients who have supported our work.
A special thank you to the Specialised Commissioning team who have supported the network and opened my eyes to their role in healthcare.
I’ll continue working on a couple of projects and hope to be able to attend the NWKN and KQIP event in November 2025."
I am sure you will join us in wishing Rob well for the future,
"We would like to thank you Rob on behalf of all within the Network and beyond you have been an inspiration, expert, mentor and friend to so many and you will always remain at the heart of the NWKN team. We are positive we will still work together as you continue to support the regional and national kidney communities.
We all wish you all of the best for your future health and happiness, we will miss you so much Rob."
If you would like to get involved or perhaps submit a blog about your own kidney journey, please click here to get in touch.
