The National Kidney Foundation EMPower+

Haemodialysis typically requires three four-hour treatment sessions per week, often during standard working hours. Combined with disease- and treatment-related side effects, some patients have difficulty seeking or maintaining employment. Patients may also face stigma from employers and co-workers who perceive them as unfit or unreliable, despite evidence that many can work effectively with reasonable workplace accommodations.

EMPower+ takes a holistic approach to addressing these challenges. It educates employers about the needs and capabilities of dialysis patients, connects patients with suitable job opportunities and provides skills training to help them enter or re-enter the workforce.  

Its initiatives include the Kaki Corner programme, which equips patients with food and beverage industry skills and experience while creating pathways to employment with industry partners. Another initiative, made possible through a collaboration with social enterprise The Social Equity, provides a job portal accessible to dialysis patients and job fairs specifically for them. Participating employers are oriented by the EMPower+ team on the needs and capabilities of dialysis patients.

Through EMPower+, more than 2,000 employers have been reached, while about 250 job referrals are facilitated annually through Kaki Corner, the job portal and job fairs. Beyond helping patients secure employment, the programme aims to restore their confidence, independence and sense of purpose.

The programme’s impact also extends to patients’ overall well-being. A comparison of Kidney Disease Quality of Life survey results in July 2024 and June 2025 found that participants experienced improvements of more than 7% in the mental health and burden of kidney disease domains. These findings highlight how EMPower+ can support patients beyond employment, contributing to a better overall quality of life.

Team members include:

1. Mohamed Naser Bin Zainol, Principal Social Worker

2. Srikanthan s/o Rajagopalan, Senior Executive, Patient Advocacy & Rehabilitation

3. Jasmine Koh, Programme Lead

4. Tiffany Yong, Programme Lead