14/04/2008

Community Seeks Information on 'Silent Killer'

Kidney Health Australia today said a 20% increase in the calls to the National Kidney Health Information Service (KHIS) 1800 helpline is due to increased public awareness of kidney disease known as the 'silent killer'.

People can lose up to 90% of their kidney function and not even know it.

Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said the Kidney Health Information Service line took some 3100 calls in 2007.

The Kidney Health Information Service line continues to offer information, support and resources to those affected by kidney disease and their families.

Information services are also offered to members of the public and health professionals. Enquiries to this service are received via the freecall 1800 682 531 number, TTY services, state office calls, direct contact in person at each state office, emails and faxes.

This service does not offer medical advice and is intended for information and referral purposes only.

In many cases it is the first port of call for many people who are finding it hard to cope with kidney disease either as a patient or a carer.

Ms Wilson said, "the total number of information resources distributed by Kidney Health Australia during 2007 also grew from 387,806 to 435,335, an increase of approximately 9%.

"While the number of patients accepted onto dialysis programs continues to spiral upwards, with an increase of almost 8% in 2006 over 2005, we are preparing for increased demand for all Kidney Health Australia information services due to increased promotion and awareness of issues surrounding kidney disease."

www.kidney.org.au

Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director, Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201