23/06/2006

Care guidelines issued for children with kidney problems

Plans to ensure that children with kidney problems get the best possible treatment have been set out by Health Minister Rosie Winterton.

'The National Service Framework for Renal Services - Working for Children and Young People' outlines standards of care that children should expect from their treatment.

The document details how the recommendations of the NSF for Renal Services can be delivered in paediatric services and draws together information that was previously found in two different NSFs, allowing it to be easily followed by all involved, including the child's parents or guardians.

It makes clear to everyone how a child's dialysis treatment should be delivered, or how families can help children through living organ donation and preventative transplants.

The document is aimed at those commissioning, providing and using services for children and young people with kidney disease. It spells out in greater detail the quality improvements in children's services that will be achieved by implementing the standard and quality requirements.

Commenting on the guidelines, Ms Winterton said: "Kidney disease is luckily rare among children and young people. While better medical knowledge and resources are improving care for children with kidney disease, the social and educational challenges for young kidney patients remain.

"This document, which spells out the Renal NSF specifically for the care of younger people, will help us ensure children with kidney disease are getting the right service and their family can make informed decisions about their care."

(KMcA/SP)

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