Why do we need a National Consumer Council and your support?

The National Consumer Council of Kidney Health Australia has produced a special report entitled The Impact of Kidney Disease and what Government should be doing about it, on behalf of all Australians with kidney disease.

There are over 18,000 Australians currently being treated for end stage kidney disease (dialysis or transplantation). Each week an additional 50 people commence dialysis. With only 5% of the 10,000 people on dialysis lucky enough to receive a kidney transplant each year, most will never have that opportunity. In fact, the number of people on dialysis is projected to double to 20,000 by the year 2020. Every day 50 people die with kidney failure.

Living with advanced kidney disease has a serious negative impact on people’s quality of life. We want Government to understand the world of kidney patients with advanced disease, particularly those on dialysis, and their families.

The release of the report highlights one of the failings of the national health system that is going to balloon into an even bigger problem because of the ageing of Australia's population.

It is hoped that the Federal Government initiative to reform Australia's health system - announced on 3 March 2010 - will help to address this problem.

Mr David Parker, Chair of the National Consumer Council, said this report will provide a unique insight for Members of Parliament into the patient's view of how patients, families and carers are treated by the current system and the areas needing urgent reform.

You as a consumer have the right to speak out

Kidney Health Australia has given a long term commitment to families and children affected by kidney disease, but the biggest challenge remains for us to reach those two million Australians who do not know they have early kidney damage. 

It is well known that by actively participating in health care decisions, people can improve their health and quality of life outcomes. There is also growing evidence that the participation of health consumers in our health system leads to positive changes in services across a range of different settings.

The Australian Patient Charter  Our National Consumer Council has also prioritised twenty four Principles of Optimal Care for Australians with CKD which clearly sets out your rights as an Australian with chronic kidney disease. You may also be interested in the results of a recent study which collected information about CKD patient experiences and perspectives in Australia 2009.

David Parker, Chair of your National Consumer Council, at the Australian CKD Summit - 23 to 24 July 2009

How can you become involved?  At the most basic level, raising awareness of chronic kidney disease and its treatment happens when people with kidney disease talk about dialysis and their lifestyle with friends and family members. Sometimes people need to share their concerns and act together to increase the power of their voice. Kidney Health Australia wants to know what issues are affecting people in the kidney community. Maybe you just want to let us know about the issues you, a friend or family member are facing. Or perhaps you would like to help us work out a solution to these issues. There are lots of ways that you can provide feedback!

If you have an issue you feel our Consumer Council should be aware of - or wish to join your local Council, email consumerparticipation@kidney.org.au

You can join your local Consumer Council  The National Consumer Council Members are the state Chairs of your local Councils. Find out who represents you at a State level. Council Members represent a range of groups including people with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis or with a kidney transplant, carers, most nurses and kidney specialists.

Comment on your Kidney Blog  The National Consumer Council regularly reviews comments in your Your Kidney Blog and our social networking areas, like YAP Space and its forum and chatroom, to establish if new issues can be addressed. Raising important issues and speaking out as an individual or as part of a group, is the first step to achieving change. Speak out on behalf of a patient in order to protect their rights. Some issues may affect your quality of life and be particular to living with your chronic health problem, share them with others with a chronic disease.

Updated 9 March 2010