We are always striving for improvements to renal services, and I am delighted to say that The NHS Information Centre, in partnership with the Renal Association has set up a new National Kidney Care Audit. This will measure two key areas where I think we can make a big difference to patient care: vascular access and patient transport.
The vascular access audit will build upon the current renal registry data collection process, and will look at the timelines and appropriateness of surgery for vascular access whether that treatment meets Renal Association and Vascular Society guidelines.
The patient transport aspect of the audit will be carried out through a survey of patients, renal units and renal commissioners. This will take place on 15 & 16 October, and The NHS Information Centre will be contacting all renal units very soon with information on what they need to do to take part. I really hope everyone will take part in this important survey which I really think will drive up the standards of patient transport services.
As a member of the Project Board for the audit, I am helping make sure that all the information collected will lead directly back to patient care, and I am confident that it will make a big difference.
One thing that’s really important about the audit is that it’s being done in partnership with the renal community. I would particularly like to thank Richard Fluck from Derby Hospitals, Jenny Scott from the North West Specialised Commissioning Team, Alistair Chesser from the Pan Thames Renal Audit Group and Bob Dunn from the National Kidney Federation for their input. I would also like to give an honourable mention to Julie Henderson and her team at the NHS Information Centre for all their hard work so far.
I hope that all renal departments will fully support the audit and will be updating you on its progress over the coming months. More information can be found on the NHS Information Centre website , and queries should be sent to kidneycare@ic.nhs.uk
