More cases of chronic kidney disease diagnosed – more units providing treatment
More people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) than ever before are being identified and are accessing treatment, according to a new report out today.
The Second Progress Report of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Renal Services shows that diagnosis and management of CKD is better than ever before. This is due to CKD being included in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) for GPs and the introduction of a standard kidney function measurement. With GPs identifying more cases earlier on, new patients are accessing treatment sooner.
There has also been ?60m of capital investment in renal services since 2000 – in the last year alone, two main renal units have opened in Chester and Colchester which offer a full range of consultant services. In addition, eleven new satellite units are allowing patients to have dialysis in a clinical setting closer to their homes. Six further units are expected to open in the coming months.
Launching the report at a new kidney unit at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Health Services Minister Rosie Winterton said:
“The dedication and hard work of the thousands of people involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease mean that we are now seeing real improvements in renal patient services. With cases being diagnosed early on, more people are getting rapid access to the care, advice and treatment they need. And ?60m of capital investment means that more renal patients than ever before are getting fast and convenient access to specialist services such as dialysis.
“I am also delighted to welcome Donal O’Donoghue, the first ever National Clinical Director for Kidney Services, whose appointment demonstrates our commitment to continuing improvement to renal services.”
National Clinical Director for Kidney Services, Dr Donal O’Donoghue said:
“The importance of early diagnosis of CKD cannot be underestimated – if not identified and managed properly, it can lead to cardiovascular disease or renal failure. CKD has historically been an under-diagnosed condition, but early detection can extend the life of the kidneys. A year of dialysis costs the NHS between ?20,000 and ?25,000 per patient – so managing the condition at an early sage is also highly cost-effective.
“We are still in the early phase of implementing the NSF, but we are beginning to see some positive signs that, in many parts of the country, services are starting to change for the better.”
In addition, an increasing number of renal units are using the Renal Patient View System. This web-based tool allows patients to see blood test results and information about diagnosis and treatment from a computer anywhere in the world. Around half the renal units in England are now using the tool, with rapid expansion expected this year.