Around 60% of all organ transplants carried out in Australia
relate to the kidney.
Kidney Health Australia today said the strategy and funding
announcement by the Federal Government to improve organ donation
would provide a major boost for Kidney Patients who are forced to
wait an average of four to six years on dialysis for a transplant
Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said the
announcement today by the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, is not only
important because of extra funding, but vital, as it signalled a
whole new approach to managing the sensitive issue of
transplantation with a comprehensive package of initiatives.
Ms Wilson described the new organ transplantation initiatives
as one of the most significant reforms for kidney patients on
dialysis for the past decade.
"Importantly this will greatly assist in boosting the number of
transplantations and help cut the cost of kidney disease in
Australia.
"Dialysis costs Australian hospitals $83,000 per person per
year, compared to the cost of a kidney transplant - $65,000 per
recipient for the first year and $11,000 a year each year
following."
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia said,
"there are some 1800 people waiting on the organ transplant list.
Around 60% of all organ transplants carried out relate to the
kidney.
"From a medical practitioner's point of view, the initiatives
announced by the Federal Government will complement the work already
being done in our hospitals, with hospitals being better resourced
to greatly improve the quality of life of many Australians and their
families," Dr Mathew said.
FAST FACTS ON CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN
AUSTRALIA
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant and
growing public health problem, responsible for substantial burden of
illness and premature mortality. In Australia, it is a fact that:
1 in 3 adults are at increased risk of developing CKD
1 in 7 adults have at least one clinical sign of existing CKD
A person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before
experiencing any symptoms
Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by
early-stage kidney disease and don't know it
Over 40 Australians die of kidney failure each day
11.3% of all deaths in Australia are due to, or associated with,
kidney failure
Every day, 6 Australians commence expensive dialysis or
transplantation to stay alive
Most people with CKD will die from cardiovascular causes before
requiring dialysis or transplantation
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience excessive
death and disability due to CKD.
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
