Important health bulletins for those affected by kidney disease

11 February 2010 - Wearable Kidney would change the Kidney Patients World

A wearable kidney, which is worn like a belt and provides continuous dialysis, would change the lifestyle of people with failed kidneys and play a major role in the total reform of dialysis treatment in Australia and internationally. Read more>

The Renal Service Integration Project - South Australia 2010
Special Bulletin for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) renal patients
Renal services at The Queen Elizabeth and Royal Adelaide Hospitals have, as from January 2010, come together – creating one of Australia’s largest and most cutting-edge renal services, known as the Central Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service (CNARTS). The transfer of complex renal services from TQEH to the RAH commenced 11 January 2010 when the new Renal and Transplantation Ward at RAH (Ward C8) started admitting patients and the existing renal ward at TQEH began the ‘wind down’ process (a three week transition period). The Royal Adelaide Hospital will be the ‘hub’ for renal medicine across the Central Northern Adelaide region and for transplantation surgery across Sth Australia. The amalgamation of the two units will ensure the high standard of care you have always received will continue well into the future.

Emergency Care - As from 11 January 2010 emergency renal conditions will be managed at RAH with emergency service reduced at TQEH as renal unit staff will now be based at the RAH. Arrangements are in place with the SA Ambulance Service to ensure ambulances take patients with emergency renal conditions to RAH, rather than TQEH. Referring doctors are also being informed of the change.

Outpatient Clinics - As from 18 January many renal outpatient clinics will be held at the RAH, on Level 6, Emergency Block. Click link to view map which shows you where this is. To get there from the main foyer (off North Tce) take a lift at the rear of foyer to Level 6, then follow ‘Renal Unit’ signs, east about 50 metres.The map clearly shows the location of the car park and new renal ward.

Some Renal Outpatient Clinics will remain at TQEH - These will be located either in the Dialysis area in the Nth East Block (building closest to Port Rd) or in the QE Specialist Centre, 35 Woodville Rd (across from TQEH). If attending appointments in the Nth East Block, take the lift just inside the entrance which faces the public car park. Once on the first floor, follow signs to Dialysis (NE1A).

Outpatient Clinics will also occur at Lyell McEwin Hospital and for a few months at Central Districts Private Hospital. Outpatient care at all country clinics will continue to be provided as it is now. Your caring nephrologist should let you know where you will be seen after 18 January.

However, if unsure about your appointments, call from Monday 18 January: RAH on 8222 5203. If you have questions about the changes in services, call the Project Office on 08 8222 0007.

Do you know your heart and stroke risk score?
In the past, CVD risk was measured and treated by looking at one risk factor, such as blood pressure or cholesterol, at a time. We now know that your individual combination of risk factors is more important. Risk factors work together to increase or decrease your overall chance of getting CVD. The new method of measuring your risk gives you an overall picture of your personal risk level, to help you and your doctor to identify the most important steps that you should take to reduce your risk and improve your health.

Know your heart and stroke risk* why it’s important for you to know your heart and stroke risk score
Know your heart and stroke risk* consumer summary sheet
Online CVD Risk Calculator* check your heart and stroke risk score: your risk of getting CVD within next 5 yrs

*Initiative of National Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance - Diabetes Australia, Kidney Health Australia, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the National Stroke Foundation © 2009 ISBN: 978-1-921226-40-3 CON-064

23 November 2009 - Panvax® H1N1 vaccine - Protect yourself and protect your community
Panvax® H1N1 vaccine - Protect yourself and protect your community
Phone Australian Government Health Emergency Hotline on 180 2007 for more info

A new FREE vaccine to protect Australians from pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus is ready. Panvax® H1N1 vaccine was registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration on 18 September 2009. The vaccine is approved for use in all people 10 years and older. Children under 10 years of age will be able to receive the vaccine once data from clinical trials in young people is assessed.

There is clear evidence of serious or fatal health complications for some people who catch this flu. It is a new strain of flu that spreads easily from person to person, and experience in other countries shows that this is not just a winter flu – it could come back during spring and summer. Vaccination is the safest response for the community, particularly as large numbers of people continue to be infected, and some are suffering serious health complications. By getting vaccinated you can protect yourself and help stop this flu spreading. Panvax® H1N1 vaccine - vaccination is strongly recommended for:
       Pregnant women
      Parents and guardians of infants up to six months old
       People with underlying chronic conditions, including:
     -    heart disease
     -    asthma and other lung diseases
      -    cancer
      -    diabetes
       -    kidney disease
      -    neurological disease
       -    other chronic conditions (talk to your GP)
       People who are severely obese
       Indigenous Australians
      Frontline health workers
       Community care workers

15 June 2008 - Water Fluoridation The National Kidney Foundation (USA) have updated their Fluoride Position Statement for people with Chronic Kidney Disease. More>

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