The Department of
Health has today published an update on progress made in kidney
care since the National Service Framework was developed five years
ago. It shows that the NHS has significantly improved diagnosis of
kidney disease and treatment for those living with it.
It is estimated that 1 in 8 people in England are living with
kidney disease with an increasing number of people being diagnosed
each year. With early diagnosis and good management, the lives of
people living with kidney disease can be significantly improved.
The NHS has already made good progress in diagnosing kidney
disease through raising awareness and better diagnostic testing,
and further advances will be made with initiatives such as NHS
Health Checks and NHS Kidney Care.
As well as increasing available capacity for dialysis, a focus on
patient-centred care has led to innovative ways of delivering
services for kidney patients whose condition is serious enough to
require dialysis. An increase in the number of satellite renal
units means that care can be delivered closer to patients’ homes
making it easier for them to fit dialysis into their lives.
Health Minister Ann Keen said:
“The NHS has made good progress in improving services for kidney
disease patients since the National Service Framework was launched
five years ago. More people are being diagnosed earlier which can
improve the quality of life for people living with kidney disease.
“But we are not complacent – we will continue to drive forwards
further improvements in the prevention and management of acute
kidney injury and increasing choice of treatment options for
patients. The NHS is already showing that by putting patients’
needs at the centre of services, it can deliver care in innovative
ways – such as by providing dialysis closer to home, and where
clinically appropriate, in patients’ own homes to minimise the
disruption to their lives and improve outcomes.”
Donal O’Donoghue, National Clinical Director for Kidney Care, said:
“The National Service Framework set out a vision for the NHS. The
commitment to delivering this vision is having clear benefits for
patients, including improved diagnosis and management in primary
care and a decrease in the number of late referrals for dialysis
and transplants. There is still a lot more work to be done and I
hope to see progress in all areas of kidney care continue over the
next five years as we move services from good to great.”
Today’s report also highlights the improvements made in organ
donation for the most serious cases of kidney disease. As well as
recognising the work of the Organ Donation Taskforce in driving up
the number of donors, it shares best practice in helping patients
undergoing transplant surgery. Bristol Children’s Hospital
realised that the majority of donors are family members and it is
often distressing for children to be unable to see a parent in the
days following surgery while they are both recovering. By
introducing webcams to wards the hospital has been able to help
families communicate at this difficult time.
On a national level NHS Kidney Care is working with kidney
services to improve patient care. One initiative highlighted in
the report is the resource My Kidney Care Plan, a
personal care plan for all patients with kidney disease to help
them discuss their treatment with doctors and nurses and make
informed decisions about their care. Evidence shows that involving
patients in their care and providing them with information on
their treatment helps them to manage their own health better with
the support of NHS staff.
Notes to Editors
For media enquiries only please contact the Department of Health
press office on 020 7210 5221The Renal National Service Framework
can be viewed here:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Renal/index.htm
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk