The year began with Gordon Brown informing Parliament that kidney disease is a major vascular risk factor - the first Prime Minister in history to use the “k” word in the Palace of Westminster. As the year draws to a close we are putting the final touches to a new NHS organisation – NHS Kidney Care, an improvement team for the kidney community. Between those time points lots has happened:
- In February the Organs for Transplants report was funded.
- New vascular checks for all above the age of 40 has been inveiled.
- 25% more people have been identified with early kidney disease.
- The NICE guideline on CKD was launched.
- The Dialysis Manifesto has been produced by the All Party Parliamentary Kidney Group.
- New kidney units have been opened.
- The National Kidney Federation has moved to new offices.
- More people are receiving home haemodialysis now than at any time for several decades.
- We have continued to see growth in live and non heart beating donor transplant.
2008 has been a good year, lets make 2009 a great year for kidney care.
