THURSDAY 14TH MARCH 2024
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect more than 850 million people worldwide and resulted in over 3.1 million deaths in 2019.[1] Presently, kidney disease ranks as the 8th leading cause of death[2], and if left unaddressed, it is projected to be the 5th leading cause of years of life lost by 2040.[3]
Over the last three decades, CKD treatment efforts have centered on preparing for and delivering kidney replacement therapies. However, recent therapeutic breakthroughs [4] offer unprecedented opportunities to prevent or delay disease and mitigate complications such as cardiovascular disease and kidney failure, ultimately prolonging the quality and quantity of life for people living with CKD.
While these new therapies should be universally accessible to all patients, in every country and environment, barriers such as lack of CKD awareness, insufficient knowledge or confidence with newer therapeutic strategies, shortages of kidney specialists, and treatment costs contribute to profound disparities in accessing treatments, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries, but also in some high-income settings. These inequities emphasize the need to shift focus towards CKD awareness and capacity building of the healthcare workforce.
In celebration of World Kidney Day, our Renal team held an event at the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
The event featured stalls showcasing different aspects of the renal care we provide at NNUH and the Norfolk and Norwich Kidney Centre alongside our partners and provided opportunities for clinicians and members of the public to learn more.
“The Kidneys are the organs responsible for controlling the flow of waste products and balancing the body’s fluid levels. They also help maintain bone health, alongside producing vital hormones,” said Rebecca Lorimer, Patient Education Nurse Specialist.
“It’s been amazing to see such a good showing of clinicians and members of the public who are all getting involved and having discussions about the world of renal medicine.”
The Norfolk Renal Fund showcased how they assist patients by providing equipment not provided by the NHS, funding staff training, and financial support to patients and carers who are living with kidney disease.
Long time NNUH partners Kidney Care UK, provide a team of Patient Support and Advocacy Officers who help with concerns about treatment choice, transport and benefits. Financial and counselling services to comfort and support people during their management of kidney disease are also offered.
The Renal Dietitians were also present to because diabetes is the number one single cause of kidney disease, with roughly one in three adults with diabetes having a kidney disease. A renal dietician can help a patient understand what diet works best for them to help the treatment and complications of kidney disease.
Rachel, who has been in the care of the NNUH renal department since childhood, said: “Having a team that is so compassionate and caring really means the world to me. I can’t thank them enough for everything, when I have come into A&E in the past, it was so reassuring to see all of the staff know exactly what they needed to do to deal with the complications that come with my condition”.
Below are some of the educational posters that were being displayed at the event.
Please click on each one to make the image larger.
