World Kidney Day, which takes place on March 13, marks a global campaign aimed at raising awareness around kidney disease.
This year’s theme, ‘Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health’, highlights the importance of recognising kidney disease risk factors as well as early detection and intervention in preventing and managing the disease.
This year, to mark World Kidney Day, Portiuncula University Hospital’s kidney clinic will hold an information awareness stand in the outpatient department on Thursday, March 13 from 9am to 12 noon.
Clinical staff will be in attendance to answer any questions you have and to raise awareness of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, which are the leading causes of kidney disease in Ireland.
Dr Paul O’Hara, Consultant General Physician and Nephrologist at Portiuncula University Hospital, said, “World Kidney Day gives us an opportunity to stop and think about kidney disease, raise awareness of it and encourage everyone to actively know what their own kidney health measures are.”
“Education is a key part of managing any chronic illness and kidney disease is no different. If you are over 50 or in the high risk category, it is important to get screened for CKD.”
The risk factors associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) include:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Long term use of over the counter medications
- Heart disease
- Family history of kidney disease.
Since it opened four years ago, the hospital’s kidney clinic under the remit of Dr Paul O’Hara has been providing care to patients with kidney conditions across the hospital’s catchment area of East Galway and Roscommon.
The kidney clinic treats a wide range of kidney conditions, with referrals from both the hospital and GPs.
Between 2023 and 2024 the kidney clinic saw a 15% increase in new referrals, reviewed almost 600 patients and saw a 62% increase in patients with kidney disease receiving infusion-based therapies.
Patients receiving haemodialysis and those undergoing kidney transplants are cared for at Merlin Park University Hospital.
Last month, the existing kidney day ward was relocated to the new 50-bed ward block to provide additional capacity in a new clinical space, significantly enhancing patient care to the highest standards.
Between 2023 and 2024, the kidney day ward saw an 81% increase in people attending, with over 1,300 patient interactions. It allows for medical and nursing assessments, investigations and education on an ambulatory and outpatient basis.
Furthermore, it provides an ambulatory care pathway from the emergency department, allowing for rapid assessment of conditions for those who do not require hospitalisation.
Dr O’Hara said, “This new clinical space is a welcome addition and is very much an integral part of the department’s ability to deliver kidney care.”
