Renal Health Network

Improving care for people with kidney failure

A statewide project will improve haemodialysis care for Western Australians with kidney failure. Initiated by the Renal Health Network and led by Royal Perth Hospital, the project is investigating vascular access clinical practices.

The project is bringing health professionals together to identify the problems and barriers to vascular access. The vascular access project involves a wide range of health professionals across the state, including nurses, surgeons, anaethetists, radiologists and renal physicians.

Haemodialysis removes waste products and extra fluid which build up in a patient’s blood when kidneys no longer function properly. Clean fluid is passed into the patient’s blood vessels through an entry in their vein (vascular access). Patients without a functioning vascular access at the start of kidney dialysis have significantly increased morbidity and mortality.

According to Renal Health Network Clinical Lead and Nephrologist Ashley Irish, Western Australia could significantly improve the number of patients starting haemodialysis with a functioning vascular access.

"Providing vascular access at the start of kidney dialysis will help patients stay well and reduce the burden on hospitals," he said.

The project is funded by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing. The project report will be available by the end of the year.

For more information about the project, please contact Project Officer Jenny Callaghan on jenny.callaghan@health.wa.gov.au.

1. Polkinghorne Kr et. Al (2004) Vascular access and all–cause mortality: a propensity score analysis, J Am Soc Nephrol; 15: 447–86.

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