Portiuncula hospital to mark upcoming World Kidney Day

A leading professor at Portiuncula University Hospital has stressed the importance of kidney disease awareness and early detection, ahead of World Kidney Day on Thursday, March 12.

To mark World Kidney Day, the Ballinasloe hospital’s kidney clinic will host an information awareness stand in the main foyer of the hospital on March 12, from 9am to 12noon.

Clinical staff will be available to answer questions and raise awareness of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, the leading causes of kidney disease in Ireland.

The theme of this year's World Kidney Day is ' Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet', and Professor Paul O’Hara, Consultant General Physician and Nephrologist at Portiuncula University Hospital, said the theme serves as an important reminder that protecting kidney health goes hand-in-hand with protecting the environment.

The theme is designed to highlight the connection between environmental sustainability (air pollution, heat stress) and kidney disease, promoting eco-friendly, equitable, and accessible kidney care.

"Raising awareness about kidney disease is vital," said Prof. O'Hara. "Early diagnosis, preventative measures and equitable access to care can significantly improve outcomes for patients.

"Detecting kidney disease early not only preserves kidney function but also reduces the need for resource-intensive treatments and improves long-term outcomes.

"Environmental changes are now adding to this burden. Climate-related risks, air pollution, heat stress, dehydration, and extreme weather events, compound the risks of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerate its progression,” he added.

Prof. O'Hara was also keen to point out the importance of educating ourselves on CKD.

“Education is a key part of managing any chronic illness and kidney disease is no different. The risk factors associated with CKD include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term use of over-the-counter medications, heart disease and a family history of kidney disease.

"If you are over 50 or fall into a higher-risk category, it is important to speak with your GP and get screened for CKD. Early detection can significantly slow progression and improve long-term outcomes," he said.

The kidney clinic, under the leadership of Prof. O’Hara, delivers expert, patient-centered care to individuals across East Galway and Roscommon. The service provides specialist assessment and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, accepting referrals from both hospital teams and GPs to ensure patients have timely access to expert treatment and support.

In a continued commitment to enhancing patient care, the service has expanded to include a number of additional specialist clinics. These include a newly established Clinical Nurse Specialist-led kidney clinic and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner-led Rapid Review Clinic, both designed to improve access and streamline care for patients requiring urgent assessment.

A dedicated consultant-led clinic has also been developed to support patients preparing for dialysis. In addition, a Conservative Care Clinic provides comprehensive, supportive management for patients who are not suitable for, or who choose not to pursue, dialysis. Patients requiring haemodialysis, as well as those undergoing kidney transplantation, receive their care at Merlin Park University Hospital, ensuring access to specialised renal services within the region.

Between 2024 and 2025, the clinic recorded a 26 per cent increase in new referrals and reviewed almost 850 patients. During the same period, there was a 38 per cent rise in patients with kidney disease receiving infusion-based therapies, reflecting growing demand and expanded treatment capacity.

The kidney day ward relocated to the new 50-bed ward block in February 2025, creating additional capacity in a modern clinical environment and significantly enhancing the standard of care provided to patients.

Since the move, the ward has provided care to more than 500 patients, reflecting its significant impact in meeting growing demand for kidney services. Attendances increased by 42 per cent, with more than 1,500 patient interactions recorded.