Kidney Care UK, a prominent charity supporting individuals with kidney disease, has criticized Coronation Street for its portrayal of Carla Connor’s
kidney transplant storyline. The organization expressed disappointment in the ITV soap’s depiction of chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and organ transplantation logistics,
labeling the storyline as unrealistic and potentially misleading.
Carla Connor, played by Alison King, faces a health crisis as complications from sepsis leave her in urgent need of a kidney transplant. This isn’t her first battle with kidney issues—her previous transplant, necessitated by alcohol-related damage, occurred seven years ago. The drama escalates when Carla’s nephew, Bobby Crawford (Jack Carroll), appeals to his estranged father, Rob Donovan (Mark Bess), currently serving a life sentence for murder, to donate a kidney. To everyone’s surprise, Rob agrees, introducing a high-stakes dilemma.
Carla is later shocked to learn that accepting Rob’s kidney requires going through private healthcare due to the logistical costs of facilitating the procedure for a prisoner, totaling a staggering £100,000. In a heartwarming twist, Carla’s girlfriend Lisa Swain (Vicky Meyers) and her daughter Betsy (Sydney Martin) step in, offering half of the funds to give Carla a fighting chance. While Carla begins dialysis at home, the remaining funds remain a hurdle.
Kidney Care UK raised concerns over the storyline’s inaccuracies, emphasizing that they had provided detailed guidance to the production team as early as 2018 and again in 2023. They advised on realistic timelines for dialysis procedures, training, and operations. However, their recommendations were disregarded, leading to an oversimplified and rushed portrayal of the medical process.
In a public statement, the charity stressed the importance of accurately representing chronic kidney disease, noting that such portrayals impact patients and their families. While acknowledging the dramatic nature of soaps, Kidney Care UK insisted that this particular storyline deserved more care. They expressed disappointment, stating, “We understand soaps need drama, but when dealing with an issue as serious as kidney disease, accuracy matters.”
Viewer reactions have been mixed. Some praised Coronation Street for highlighting the struggles of chronic illness, while others echoed the charity’s concerns. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions, with one viewer commenting, “It’s great that Coronation Street is addressing kidney disease, but they need to get it right.” Another noted, “This could’ve been a powerful way to raise awareness, but the lack of realism undermines the message.”
Despite the backlash, Coronation Street has not publicly addressed the charity’s criticism. As Carla’s storyline unfolds, both viewers and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the soap’s approach. Kidney Care UK remains steadfast in its mission to support individuals with kidney disease and push for more accurate media portrayals.
