Portiuncula hospital to mark World Kidney Day with information awareness stand.
To mark World Kidney Day this Thursday, March 10, clinical staff in Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe will hold an information awareness stand for patients in the outpatient department from 9am.
Advanced nurse practitioners from the Cardiology and Diabetes clinics in Portiuncula will be available to raise awareness of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes as the leading causes of kidney disease in Ireland.
Using the slogan "Know your kidney health" World Kidney Day on Thursday marks a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys and encourages everyone worldwide to be aware of the disease and actively know what their own kidney health measures are.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a common disease with an estimated one in 10 adults worldwide having the disease. In addition, kidney disease related mortality continues to increase yearly and is projected to be the fifth leading cause of death by 2040.
Dr Paul O’Hara, Consultant General Physician and Nephrologist in Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) explains, “The main job of your kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water and salts from your blood. Kidneys also help to control your blood pressure, produce red blood cells and keep your bones healthy. Diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease.
“Education is a key part of managing any chronic illness and kidney disease is no different. World Kidney Day allows us to highlight the importance of screening for CKD in high risk groups, including all patients with diabetes, obesity (Body Mass Index >30) and hypertension. I encourage everyone to protect their kidneys by stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet low in salt, exercising daily, having regular health checks for diabetes and high blood pressure and avoiding prolonged use of anti-inflammatory pain killers. In those with advanced kidney failure and who are suitable, transplantation remains the best treatment option. The act of organ donation is a life-saving event and everyone is encouraged to carry an organ donor card and discuss their wishes with their loved ones.
“I started the Portiuncula Kidney Clinic in December 2021 to serve the needs of patients with kidney problems within the hospital catchment area, mainly East Galway and Roscommon and we deal with the entire spectrum of kidney conditions with referrals from both the hospital and GPs. Patients with kidney transplants and those who are on haemodialysis are cared for in the main centre in Galway University Hospitals.”
The information awareness stand in the outpatient department at Portiuncula will be manned by clinical staff from the Portiuncula Kidney Clinic throughout the day on Thursday, beginning at 9am.
As well as the information stand, the hospital will also be making advanced nurse practitioners from the Cardiology and Diabetes clinics available to members of the public, where they will be raising awareness of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes as the leading causes of kidney disease in Ireland.