Do you look after your kidneys?

While the globe celebrated World Kidney Day the staff and patients at University Hospital of North Staffordshire quietly went about their everyday routine. Nearly 15% of people have reduced kidney function and as many as seven in 10 cases of chronic kidney disease are undiagnosed. The renal wards at University Hospital are 29, 31 and 34 with outpatients being seen on Ward 26.

Sister Pam Towe, of Ward 31, oversees the care of the 186 patients who are currently on haemodialysis. She said: "The staff on the renal wards do a fantastic job in caring for the patients. Our patients come in three, four or even five time a week so they build up really strong relationships with the patients. Early diagnosis of kidney problems can prevent the need for dialysis or transplant so people need to do everything they can to look after their kidneys."

Graham Lorento, of Abbey Hulton, comes onto Ward 31 three times a week for dialysis. He said: "I've been coming here now for 19 years. My persoanl decision has been to remain on dialysis rather than go for a transplant. I enjoy sharing banter with the nurses, some of which have been here since I first started so I've know them for a really long time. My dialysis is a fact of life, so me and my wife have just found ways to work around it. Sadly she goes out with the credit card shopping while I'm hooked up to the machine."

Dawn Shirley, of Golden Hill, is on the transplant waiting list. She said: "I had a transplant a few years ago after my dad donated me one of his. Unfortunately my body rejected the kidney the next day so I'm now back hoping that another kidney becomes available. Getting a new kidney will give me back my life and will allow me to go and do things that I just can't do at the moment."

There are 288 transplanted patients currently have continuing care at the Trust and a further 137 local patients are on the national transplant list. Although there 2,912 patients with kidney disease under care of nephrologists not on dialysis. The best way to avoid chronic kidney diseases are to reduce high blood pressure, reduce salt intake, stop smoking, increase physical activity and control body weight.