One third of all admissions to public hospitals - 2000
patients every day is due to dialysis and the amount of kidney
patients is growing at 8.5%.
Kidney Health Australia is urging people to start the new
financial year with a personal health audit.
Releasing the
details of a web poll of over a 350 people in high risk categories
for kidney disease, Kidney Health Australia CEO Anne Wilson said,
"The poll revealed that 56%, more than half, had not their
kidneys tested by their GP over the past twelve months with a simple
blood test."
Ms Wilson said, "whilst there is no cure for kidney disease, if
it is detected early it can be treated and delayed ensuring many
patients are not forced onto dialysis.
"We are urging people in the high risk categories to talk to
their GPs and have a regular check for Chronic Kidney Disease.
"Research shows that over 25% of all patients coming onto
dialysis and transplantation do not see a kidney specialist until
less than 90 days before dialysis starts."
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia said,
"Chronic Kidney Disease is known as the silent killer as the vast
majority of people do not know they have it until their kidneys
fail, is both detectable and treatable providing people undertake
simple regular checks with their GPs."
Dr Mathew said that good communication is important and asking
questions can make your visit to your GP more useful. Writing down
questions and making notes about answers can be helpful when
reviewing information after your visit to the doctor.
"Giving a written record of your major, past medical and surgical
events to the doctor on your first visit is an excellent idea.
"Knowing about your family's medical history is also helpful. If
you have a chronic illness, consider keeping a record of your
contact with health professionals in an exercise book."
Dr Mathew said that Kidney failure is the seventh most frequent
cause of death in Australia and exceeds road deaths, suicide and
breast cancer in number.
"Over 40 people die each and every day from kidney failure in
Australia.
"11.6% of all deaths are due to or associated with kidney
failure."
Kidney Health Australia has a special fact sheet available for
download - Make
The Most Out Of Your Visit to The Doctor
Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney
Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith National
Media Communications Kidney Health Australia
(03) 9818 5700
Mobile: 0417 329 201
