Kidney Disease HIT

Kidney disease is a growing concern, worldwide and in the UK. Kidney disease is linked to an ageing population and rising levels of obesity. It accounts for up to 2% of NHS spending and in BNSSG in 2023 over 94,000 people were estimated to be living with chronic kidney disease. While advances in diagnosis and care—such as routine kidney function tests and NICE guidelines—have improved early detection and referral, challenges remain.

The Bristol Kidney Disease HIT team are committed to improving access to screening and monitoring for kidney disease as well as ensuring more equitable access to key disease modifying therapies across the region, aiming to reduce the number of people progressing to need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

We are dedicated to ensuring these aims span the life course of people living with a kidney condition. Although much rarer in children, long-term kidney disease is a significant health burden to children, young people and their families at a crucial period of growth and development.  Dialysis and kidney transplants are treatments for very low kidney function but come with significant physical and emotional burdens. Many patients on dialysis report poor quality of life and high levels of psychological distress. For older patients, the benefits of dialysis are sometimes limited, raising complex decisions about care. Access to treatments like transplantation must be fair and not influenced by socio-economic status or ethnicity. Patients need clear, timely information to make informed choices that align with their values and quality-of-life goals.

The Renal Unit at Southmead Hospital provides services for over two million people. Patients travel from as far afield as Bridgewater, Warminster and Chippenham for dialysis education and dietary advice. Patients within the first few weeks of kidney transplantation can be travelling from Bournemouth, Dorchester and Gloucester.

The Bristol Royal Hospital for Children’s kidney unit on Lighthouse ward looks after children with chronic kidney disease across the South West of England: from Gloucester and Swindon to Truro. This is done in collaboration with paediatric colleagues in local centres, to allow, where possible, management of a child’s kidney condition close to home.