Media Statement 3 February 2005

Early identification of kidney disease is a key priority for The National Kidney Research Fund

With the publication of Part 2 of the National Service Framework for Renal Services, The National Kidney Research Fund welcomes the Government's commitment to tackling the problems associated with prevention and early identification of kidney disease.

Part 2 contains a module that clearly identifies the need to minimize the incidents and consequences of acute renal failure by way of prevention and examines best practice on both early identification of the symptoms that can lead to kidney disease and the ways in which healthcare professionals can work with patients to prevent its further onset. A key part of the module will look at patient information and empowerment as a means of ensuring patients themselves can identify warning signs and take steps themselves to prevent kidney problems.

There are currently around 30,000 patients being treated for end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in England alone. Treatment for ESRF is kidney transplantation, or life-long dialysis to remove toxins and excess water from the blood. It is therefore key that as many patients as possible have their symptoms identified early and are equipped to make the necessary lifestyle changes that will help to prevent the onset of disease. The Fund is committed to raising awareness of the need for prevention and better education around kidney disease amongst all at risk groups and in particular those from ethnic minorities.

South Asian and African-Caribbean people are at a much greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease than other ethnic groups. They are also at greater risk of complications from diabetes and high blood pressure than the rest of the population. The Fund is specifically helping these "at risk" communities by raising awareness into kidney disease, highlighting the importance of healthy living and funding research into the causes, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. The Fund's ABLE project (A Better Life through Education and Empowerment) has been running for over three years, working with these communities across the country.

For more information on Kidney Research UK please click here for a contact number.