EXCLUSIVE: As Joe Tate kidney plot takes another twist, a medical expert and donor explain how Emmerdale should actually be portraying recovery

Joe Tate seems to have gotten away with his plot to steal uncle Caleb’s kidney in this week’s Emmerdale. This comes as he plotted to hide his recovery by jetting off to Dubai, away from the scene of the crime.

Caleb, meanwhile, is recovering in hospital. Healing after the double-whammy of being stabbed and having his kidney stolen, he’s in a weakened condition. Meanwhile, scheming Joe is already plotting his next move. Covering up his involvement, he secured the man who stabbed Caleb an escape from the country. And, worried about his own part in the plot, Doctor Crowley is keen to move on too.

However, there’s little chance of anyone forgetting about Joe’s kidney theft anytime soon. The story has widely been decreed as one of the soap’s silliest to date. Fans have pointed out a myriad of plot holes and contrivances amid Joe’s confusing scheme.

Meanwhile, charities have also called out the soap’s ‘recklessness’ in their portrayal of the story. And now, following Kidney Research UK’s criticism, a medical expert and a kidney donor have explained what the soap should have done.

Doctor Crowley talks to Joe on Emmerdale — Joe went ahead with his plan in spite of the protestations of his doctor (Credit: ITV)

Medical expert responds to Joe Tate kidney storyline on Emmerdale

Responding to the story, Professor Simon Davies, a kidney doctor and trustee at Kidney Research UK said : “In normal circumstances, the donor and recipient will be moved to intensive care after the operation for a brief period to monitor their initial recovery.”

Of Joe’s move to Professor Davies said: “Travel abroad is not permitted immediately after surgery, and not advised for at least three months, due to the increased risk of clotting, infections and complications.”

And as for Joe and Caleb’s recovery? The Professor continued: “If all goes well, recipients can lead a relatively normal life, bar hospital check-ups, which are frequent at first until the optimal transplant function is established. They will need to consistently take immunosuppressants to try to stop their body from rejecting their new kidney, which can make them more susceptible to viruses and other infections.”

Joe in the back of a car on Emmerdale, looking grim — Joe’s off on his travels already (Credit: ITV)

Professor points out inaccuracies in Joe kidney recovery on Emmerdale

Talking of the reality of recovery, Professor Davies said: “Of course, the mental impact can differ enormously. And most patients understand their ‘fix’ is only temporary. On average a kidney transplant will last for 20 years.”

“Meanwhile, in the majority of cases the donor will recover after 2-12 weeks and often won’t notice any difference after the operation. Mainly because they will have been thoroughly tested beforehand and assessed as in rude enough health to live well with just one kidney.

He added: “It’s important to note, that while I’ve used the term ‘donor’, in this portrayal, Caleb is certainly not a donor, but has had his kidney stolen from him.”

Caleb lying unconscious in hospital on Emmerdale — Caleb’s experience was far from typical… or realistic (Credit: ITV)

Kidney donor reveals recovery after transplant

Meanwhile, Sulmaan Hanif, 35, revealed his own experience as a donor. He donated a kidney to his younger sister as she faced kidney failure and dialysis treatment.

“Aminah’s kidney problems started in her late-teens and have had a huge impact on her life,” he explained.

“Donating a kidney was an easy decision for me. Aminah’s life has been transformed and she has been thriving ever since. She’s able to enjoy life, travel and has a high-flying career, while my life has been unaffected by living with one kidney. I have two young children, a busy job in the technology sector and a very active lifestyle.

“It took a few months to recover fully from surgery, but you only need one kidney and I think I’ve been even healthier since the transplant, as I have been more health conscious and taking better care with diet and exercise. I have a check-up once a year but that’s all that has changed for me.

“Meanwhile, my sister’s quality of life is immeasurably better.”