Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) causes a loss of kidney function and can develop very quickly. AKI often occurs without causing any symptoms or signs and it’s presence frequently goes unrecognised by patients and clinicians alike. People who are most at risk are those with conditions such as heart failure or diabetes and those admitted to hospital with infections, it can also occur after major surgery. AKI can lead to death; those that survive may have permanent kidney damage or need lifelong dialysis.
In 2012/13 there were 183,521 people over 18 years of age who had been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease stages 3-5 in the South West. This represents 4.8% of the population.
| Key facts 12/13 | SCN | England |
| Observed prevalence CKD | 4.8% | 4.3% |
| Estimated prevalence CKD | 6.8% | 6.1% |
| Patients diagnosed with CKD whom the last BP reading is 140/85 or less | 70.6% | 71.6% |
| Nos of people on RRT | 3704 | 44410 |
| Increase RRT demand 2007-12 | 22.5% | 26% |
| Proportion of people on RRT with transplants | 53.0% | 50.1% |
Source of data – www.ncvin.org.uk Kidney Disease Profiles August 14
There were a total of 3704 people on Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) in 2012 with the number of residents receiving RRT has risen by 22.5% over the past 5 years compared to 26% England increase.
The SWSCN is currently benchmarking all dialysis units across the South West against the specialised commissioning service specifications published in October 2013.
The South West Cardiovascular Strategic Clinical Network (SW CV SCN) is focusing work to ensure avoidable harm related to AKI is prevented in acute settings across the South West. The work of the SW CV SCN will focus on:
• Establishing AKI e-alert systems in all Acute Trusts across the South West
• Developing a care bundle approach for the management of AKI
• Ensuring that AKI awareness and education sessions are delivered in all acute trusts.
The SW CV SCN will host a South West wide oversight group bringing together workstreams and stakeholders involved in AKI across the region. Collaboration between the SW CV SCN, South West AHSN and West of England AHSN will facilitate links with the Patient Safety Collaborative and alignment of work on Sepsis.
