WORLD KIDNEY DAY 2010

That this House welcomes World Kidney Day 2010 which raises awareness of kidney disease among the general population and seeks to publicise the link between kidney disease and diabetes; is alarmed that kidney disease is common and increasing; notes that diabetic kidney disease remains the single most common cause of renal failure; further notes that kidney failure and diabetes can lead to an elevated risk of heart disease; further welcomes the introduction of the NHS Health Check which supports the early detection of kidney disease; urges the Government to build upon these measures through a public health campaign highlighting the importance of kidneys; applauds the efforts of kidney patients, their families and friends, clinicians and healthcare professionals who have worked hard to highlight the issues associated with kidney disease and spread the important message of World Kidney Day; expresses its concern that an estimated 13,000 people die from kidney disease annually in this country; further notes that in the UK the number of adults receiving dialysis treatment for kidney failure is increasing every year by eight per cent.; strongly believes that patient choice is the key to ensuring the best possible quality of life for patients; and calls on the Government to investigate ways by which to improve levels of patient choice in renal services.