First Location for Kidney Screening Programme in Australia.
Townsville is set to take its place in history as the first location in Australia to undertake a screening program for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) next month.
Townsville is set to take its place in history as the first location in Australia to undertake a screening program for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) next month.
Image right: Anne Wilson CEO Kidney Health Australia
Kidney Health Australia with the support of the Federal Government and BHP Billiton will launch KEY - 'Kidney Evaluation for You', an early detection program to evaluate kidney function, cardiovascular health and diabetes in high risk individuals.
With 1 in 3 Australian adults at increased risk of developing CKD, Townsville residents who are in the "high risk" group are able to book in to have a free KEY health check.
The high risk group is as follows:
· Anyone 50 years and above or 35 years and above if of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin
· Anyone with high blood pressure (on or not on treatment)
· Anyone with a first degree relative (mother, father, brother or sister) with kidney disease
KEY is free and will be available on the 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th of February at North Ward Health Campus between 9am -5pm (33 Gregory St North Ward).
People wanting to take advantage of the free service should contact Kidney Health Australia on 1800 682 531 to book a consultation.
Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said, "Until now a primary health care program for chronic kidney disease (CKD) detection has not existed and the pilot study which will commence in Townsville will be a significant signpost for the future evaluation and detection of Kidney disease."
CKD is often referred to as the "silent killer" as 80 - 90% of kidney function can be lost before an individual experiences any symptoms. Yet the level of awareness of CKD amongst the general public and health professionals is low and many risk factors of CKD are modifiable.
Dr Tim Mathew Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia who will be in Townsville for the program said, "a KEY program is vital in Australia to reduce the burden of kidney disease and kidney failure and the pilot program in February could be the start of one of the most important and effective primary care programs to manage CKD in Australia."
Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile:
0400 165 391
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile:
0416 149 863
Olivia Corso CKD Early Detection Project Manager Mobile:
0421 545 916
Ron Smith Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile:
0417 329 201.
2 comments:
Sue, I just wanted to say thanks for posting our recent media release. KHA has had an overwhelming response from the residents of Townsville wanting to book in for KEY health check. Kind regards, Olivia Corso
Thank you Olivia, it is great to hear about this exciting service right here in North Queensland! My late husband died from end stage renal disease and end stage cardiac disease (they seem to go hand in hand). My family and I know all too well that renal disease is such a silent enemy to our health and wellbeing. We wish you and your team all the very best in getting this program off to a great start and growing into a long term success story. We will be watching with interest.
Sue Bayliss, Cairns.
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