Speaker:
Dr Clare McKeaveney, Chartered Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast.

Dr Clare McKeaveney is a Chartered Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research focuses on the psychosocial dimensions of chronic kidney disease and kidney transplantation, with particular emphasis on how these conditions affect patients’ mental health, quality of life, and day-to-day functioning.

A key component of her work explores sexual health in patients with kidney disease and post-transplant populations addressing how illness, treatment, and medication can affect intimacy, relationships, and sexual function, as well as how healthcare providers can better support open communication around these issues.

In addition, her research includes improving public awareness of chronic kidney disease and transplantation, by identifying gaps in knowledge among the public and developing strategies to enhance education and awareness at both community and healthcare levels.

Moderator:
Alison Mc Hugh-Larkin, Renal Counsellor/Psychotherapist in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; EDTNA/ERCA Psychological Care Consultant.

Alison Mc Hugh-Larkin, EDTNA/ERCA Psychological Care Consultant, works in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland as the Renal Counsellor/Psychotherapist. Supporting patients with kidney disease from diagnosis throughout their journey.

Alison is also involved in the psychosocial assessments for those who put themselves forward to donate.

She is an accredited member of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, with an MSc in Clinical Health Psychology and a BA Hons in Counselling and Psychotherapy.