Kidney donor shortage is a major worry - icWales click
Kidney donor shortage is a major worry
Mar 13 2008 by Greg Tindle, South Wales Echo
A MASSIVE increase in the number of patients waiting for kidney transplants in Wales has been revealed today.
In just seven years the number of patients waiting for the operation has risen from 284 to 431 – and the reason is a desperate shortage of organs.
In Cardiff alone there are 181 people waiting for a transplant.
But Health Minister Edwina Hart today announced a grant of up to £100,000 for the Kidney Wales Foundation to help in a publicity drive to get more people to donate organs.
She made the pledge as she visited the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, to see plans for the new £4.2m transplant unit funded from the All-Wales capital programme, which will be open in two years.
“This will dramatically increase current renal transplant capacity and greatly improve the quality of life for renal patients,” she said.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | South East Wales | Father cycles for transplant sons
BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | South East Wales | Father cycles for transplant sons
Three years after two young brothers underwent kidney transplants, they are in training for a world championship.
Luke and Ashley Campbell, 16, who are two of a set of triplets, suffered from the same rare kidney disease.
The boys had to give up sport because they needed dialysis, but following their surgery they took up sport again.
Now their father has begun a cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise £4,000 for them to go to the World Transplant Games.
Luke and Ashley had been on a 17-month waiting list when a kidney became available for one of them.
Three years after two young brothers underwent kidney transplants, they are in training for a world championship.
Luke and Ashley Campbell, 16, who are two of a set of triplets, suffered from the same rare kidney disease.
The boys had to give up sport because they needed dialysis, but following their surgery they took up sport again.
Now their father has begun a cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise £4,000 for them to go to the World Transplant Games.
Luke and Ashley had been on a 17-month waiting list when a kidney became available for one of them.
Kidney transplant waiting lists lengthen - icWales
Kidney transplant waiting lists lengthen - icWales
Kidney transplant waiting lists lengthen
Mar 13 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
THE number of people waiting for a kidney transplant in Wales has risen by 52% in the past six years.
Figures, published today for the first time, also reveal that up to 10,000 people in Wales are now suffering from some form of chronic kidney disease.
But there is a desperate shortage of close-to-home dialysis stations in parts of Wales.
In the last year, doctors have seen a 16% increase in the number of patients joining the transplant list – there were 431 people waiting at the end of 2007, but just 89 kidney transplants were carried out in Wales last year.
Experts believe the increase in kidney disease, which is being fuelled by chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and the obesity epidemic, represents one of Wales’ biggest public health threats for decades.
Allison John, of Kidney Wales Foundation, said, “These figures are shocking and reveal the public health threat we are facing in Wales. They are especially worrying as the numbers diagnosed with renal failure are likely to increase dramatically again over the next decade with the rise in obesity and the linked problems of diabetes and heart disease.
“There is also a desperate shortage of donors in Wales and, sadly, since 2003, more than 100 people have died before getting that second chance a kidney transplant could give them.”
Dr Richard Moore, clinical director of nephrology and transplantation at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, said the increase in kidney disease was symptomatic of Wales’ ageing population.
Speaking on World Kidney Day, today, he said, “We know that kidney disease is more common in the older population and we also have a growth in diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, all of which carry a risk of chronic kidney disease.”
The International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations said chronic diseases, including kidney disease, have replaced communicable diseases as the leading threat to both public health and healthcare budgets.
Dr Moore said there are plans in place in Wales to increase the “limited” number of dialysis stations – Health Minister Edwina Hart will today officially open a £4m kidney unit at West Wales General Hospital, in Carmarthen, with 26 stations – but the NHS must start planning for long-term demand.
And he said there were “reasons to be optimistic” about kidney transplantation, with a new unit to be built in Cardiff and plans to expand living donation.
The difference it makes
Just 10 weeks after her kidney transplant, the change in Zowiann Flood is remarkable. The 12-year-old is eating normal meals for the first time in her life since she was a baby and was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.
Although it is still early days, her family are hopeful Zowiann’s energy will continue to improve and she will be able to lead a more active life.
Zowiann was born with the rare genetic disorder Falconi’s Cystinosis, which meant her kidneys cannot retain the nutrients her body needs.
Mum Lorraine, 47, had hoped to donate one of her own kidneys, but was unable to, and Zowiann was put on the transplant list in November, months after starting dialysis.
Within a month, a perfect match had been found – a 45-year-old mother-of-two who had died – and Zowiann had the transplant at Bristol Children’s Hospital just after Christmas.
Lorraine said, “Although we were so excited for Zowiann, it was so sad for that family to have lost someone they loved between Christmas and New Year. We can never thank that family enough.”
The Flood family will be leading this year’s Kidney Wales Foundation Walk for Life in Pontypridd and want more people to take part in the event on March 30.
For more information, call Lorraine on 01443 491 596 or the Kidney Wales Foundation office on 029 2034 3940.
Kidney transplant waiting lists lengthen
Mar 13 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
THE number of people waiting for a kidney transplant in Wales has risen by 52% in the past six years.
Figures, published today for the first time, also reveal that up to 10,000 people in Wales are now suffering from some form of chronic kidney disease.
But there is a desperate shortage of close-to-home dialysis stations in parts of Wales.
In the last year, doctors have seen a 16% increase in the number of patients joining the transplant list – there were 431 people waiting at the end of 2007, but just 89 kidney transplants were carried out in Wales last year.
Experts believe the increase in kidney disease, which is being fuelled by chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and the obesity epidemic, represents one of Wales’ biggest public health threats for decades.
Allison John, of Kidney Wales Foundation, said, “These figures are shocking and reveal the public health threat we are facing in Wales. They are especially worrying as the numbers diagnosed with renal failure are likely to increase dramatically again over the next decade with the rise in obesity and the linked problems of diabetes and heart disease.
“There is also a desperate shortage of donors in Wales and, sadly, since 2003, more than 100 people have died before getting that second chance a kidney transplant could give them.”
Dr Richard Moore, clinical director of nephrology and transplantation at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, said the increase in kidney disease was symptomatic of Wales’ ageing population.
Speaking on World Kidney Day, today, he said, “We know that kidney disease is more common in the older population and we also have a growth in diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, all of which carry a risk of chronic kidney disease.”
The International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations said chronic diseases, including kidney disease, have replaced communicable diseases as the leading threat to both public health and healthcare budgets.
Dr Moore said there are plans in place in Wales to increase the “limited” number of dialysis stations – Health Minister Edwina Hart will today officially open a £4m kidney unit at West Wales General Hospital, in Carmarthen, with 26 stations – but the NHS must start planning for long-term demand.
And he said there were “reasons to be optimistic” about kidney transplantation, with a new unit to be built in Cardiff and plans to expand living donation.
The difference it makes
Just 10 weeks after her kidney transplant, the change in Zowiann Flood is remarkable. The 12-year-old is eating normal meals for the first time in her life since she was a baby and was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.
Although it is still early days, her family are hopeful Zowiann’s energy will continue to improve and she will be able to lead a more active life.
Zowiann was born with the rare genetic disorder Falconi’s Cystinosis, which meant her kidneys cannot retain the nutrients her body needs.
Mum Lorraine, 47, had hoped to donate one of her own kidneys, but was unable to, and Zowiann was put on the transplant list in November, months after starting dialysis.
Within a month, a perfect match had been found – a 45-year-old mother-of-two who had died – and Zowiann had the transplant at Bristol Children’s Hospital just after Christmas.
Lorraine said, “Although we were so excited for Zowiann, it was so sad for that family to have lost someone they loved between Christmas and New Year. We can never thank that family enough.”
The Flood family will be leading this year’s Kidney Wales Foundation Walk for Life in Pontypridd and want more people to take part in the event on March 30.
For more information, call Lorraine on 01443 491 596 or the Kidney Wales Foundation office on 029 2034 3940.
New multi-million pound kidney unit to be opened in Carmarthen » Communities » 24dash.com
New multi-million pound kidney unit to be opened in Carmarthen » Communities » 24dash.com
Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “Our recent Campaign highlighted the need for more world class renal facilities in Wales.
“The new dialysis unit in Carmarthen underlines the Minister’s support to achieving this goal and it is hugely encouraging to see she is committed to improving the lives of those affected by kidney failure.
“We are committed to working with a Government which is prepared to work in partnership and not be afraid to be challenged.
“We can then assist each other in delivery with a more patient focused approach. By doing so patients lives will be improved.”
Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “Our recent Campaign highlighted the need for more world class renal facilities in Wales.
“The new dialysis unit in Carmarthen underlines the Minister’s support to achieving this goal and it is hugely encouraging to see she is committed to improving the lives of those affected by kidney failure.
“We are committed to working with a Government which is prepared to work in partnership and not be afraid to be challenged.
“We can then assist each other in delivery with a more patient focused approach. By doing so patients lives will be improved.”
BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | Transplant survey 'positive step'
BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | Transplant survey 'positive step'
BBC WALES
Transplant survey 'positive step'
A woman who has had multiple organ transplants has welcomed public consultation into potential changes to the way organs are donated in Wales.
A Welsh assembly committee is looking at whether a system of presumed consent could or should be introduced.
Allison John, 29, from Cardiff, who has had liver, heart and lung and kidney transplants, called it a "positive step forward".
Currently organs are only taken from people who have registered as donors.
Ms John, who was born with cystic fibrosis, received a liver transplant 12 years ago, after an 11-year-old girl died in a riding accident.
She had been waiting 16 months for the organ and described it as an "horrendous experience".
"It was only in the nick of time an organ became available," she said.
She then had a heart and lung transplant 10 years ago, and 14 months ago her father donated his kidney to her.
Any change to the law on organ donation must be fully thought through and take account of public concerns.
Jonathan Morgan AM
Ms John, who does voluntary work for the Kidney Wales Foundation, welcomed consultation as a way to "gauge public perception".
BBC WALES
Transplant survey 'positive step'
A woman who has had multiple organ transplants has welcomed public consultation into potential changes to the way organs are donated in Wales.
A Welsh assembly committee is looking at whether a system of presumed consent could or should be introduced.
Allison John, 29, from Cardiff, who has had liver, heart and lung and kidney transplants, called it a "positive step forward".
Currently organs are only taken from people who have registered as donors.
Ms John, who was born with cystic fibrosis, received a liver transplant 12 years ago, after an 11-year-old girl died in a riding accident.
She had been waiting 16 months for the organ and described it as an "horrendous experience".
"It was only in the nick of time an organ became available," she said.
She then had a heart and lung transplant 10 years ago, and 14 months ago her father donated his kidney to her.
Any change to the law on organ donation must be fully thought through and take account of public concerns.
Jonathan Morgan AM
Ms John, who does voluntary work for the Kidney Wales Foundation, welcomed consultation as a way to "gauge public perception".
Thursday, March 13, 2008
BBC NEWS | Wales | Kidney transplant patients go up
BBC NEWS | Wales | Kidney transplant patients go up CLICK
The number of people waiting for a kidney transplant in Wales has risen by more than 50% in the last six years, the Kidney Wales Foundation has said.
Its figures also show there were 431 people on the transplant waiting list at the end of 2007 but only 89 transplants were carried out last year.
The charity said the rise is due to increasing levels of diabetes, heart disease and an ageing population.
The figures were released on the same day a kidney unit opens in west Wales.
The transplant waiting list rise in Wales compares with a 42% increase across the UK.
Kidney Wales Foundation said up to 10,000 people in Wales were now suffering from some kind of chronic kidney disease and these figures were rising.
People with chronic kidney disease are 10 times more likely than healthy individuals to die of heart attacks and strokes.
Sadly, since 2003 more than 100 people have died before getting that second chance a kidney transplant could have given them
Allison John, Kidney Wales Foundation
Allison John of the foundation said better prevention and early detection was needed in Wales, including screening for at all at risk groups.
She also urged people to join the organ donation register.
"These figures are shocking and reveal the public health threat we are facing in Wales," she said.
"They are especially worrying as the numbers diagnosed with renal failure are likely to increase dramatically again over the next decade with the rise in obesity and the linked problems of diabetes and heart disease.
"There is also a desperate shortage of donors in Wales and sadly since 2003 more than 100 people have died before getting that second chance a kidney transplant could have given them."
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Donor dad gives son a new lease of life - icWales
Donor dad gives son a new lease of life - icWalesDonor dad gives son a new lease of life
Mar 10 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
As their first son was born, Meredydd and Michelle Owen were advised to plan his funeral. But almost four years later, Connor is a thriving and energetic child after receiving the gift of life from his dad. As World Kidney Day approaches on Thursday, Health Editor Madeleine Brindley reports on meeting the young family
IF YOU ask three-year-old Connor Owen what’s in his tummy, he will proudly tell you that he has his own kidney.
Yet for most of his life Connor has lived without these vital organs, dependent on dialysis to keep his small body alive.
He has amazed his medical team, who had advised parents Meredydd and Michelle to plan his funeral, fearing he would only live for a few moments after birth.
But Connor has continued to defy his prognosis, and, after receiving his kidney from his father in December, now bounds around the family home, on the outskirts of Pontypool, with all the energy and enthusiasm of any other child of his age. A blue teddy, originally bought for his funeral, has become one of Connor’s favourites, accompanying him throughout his treatment.
Meredydd, 31, said, “The transplant was to improve his quality of life – we thought he had quite a good quality of life before as he was active and developing as any normal child would.
“It affected his eating, but in terms of everything else, he seemed to be doing ok.”
Michelle added, “After the transplant it hit us like a ton of bricks – Connor has so much energy, he zooms around everywhere and he’s eating pretty much everything all the time.
“Even though we spent three-and-a-half years talking about this and waiting for this to happen, the difference it has had on our lives is huge.”
The couple, who also have a six-year-old daughter Caitlyn and have become committed Kidney Wales Foundation supporters, knew that there was something wrong with Connor when they went for their 20-week scan – one of his kidneys had atrophied and the other had less than 10% function.
Mar 10 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
As their first son was born, Meredydd and Michelle Owen were advised to plan his funeral. But almost four years later, Connor is a thriving and energetic child after receiving the gift of life from his dad. As World Kidney Day approaches on Thursday, Health Editor Madeleine Brindley reports on meeting the young family
IF YOU ask three-year-old Connor Owen what’s in his tummy, he will proudly tell you that he has his own kidney.
Yet for most of his life Connor has lived without these vital organs, dependent on dialysis to keep his small body alive.
He has amazed his medical team, who had advised parents Meredydd and Michelle to plan his funeral, fearing he would only live for a few moments after birth.
But Connor has continued to defy his prognosis, and, after receiving his kidney from his father in December, now bounds around the family home, on the outskirts of Pontypool, with all the energy and enthusiasm of any other child of his age. A blue teddy, originally bought for his funeral, has become one of Connor’s favourites, accompanying him throughout his treatment.
Meredydd, 31, said, “The transplant was to improve his quality of life – we thought he had quite a good quality of life before as he was active and developing as any normal child would.
“It affected his eating, but in terms of everything else, he seemed to be doing ok.”
Michelle added, “After the transplant it hit us like a ton of bricks – Connor has so much energy, he zooms around everywhere and he’s eating pretty much everything all the time.
“Even though we spent three-and-a-half years talking about this and waiting for this to happen, the difference it has had on our lives is huge.”
The couple, who also have a six-year-old daughter Caitlyn and have become committed Kidney Wales Foundation supporters, knew that there was something wrong with Connor when they went for their 20-week scan – one of his kidneys had atrophied and the other had less than 10% function.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Walk for Life 2008 - Kidney Wales Foundation COLIN JACKSON
COLIN JACKSON promotes KW Walk For Life in Kidney Children's Unit.
Walk For Life is on 30 of March 2008 across Wales
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